...in my college education.
It took me precisely four and a half years to obtain my Bachelor's degree. And precisely four and a half years to realize that during those four and a half years, I lost so much of myself.
While reflecting on my college "career", the chapter of my life I am just now ending, a couple weeks ago I came to the conclusion that parts of who I was (and who I still am) have faded away. This chapter is largely defined by the bumps I've encountered along the way; first, a worsening in my allergic reactions, then transferring school not once but several times, moving to a new home in a different town, learning that my mother's physical problems would become disabilities leading to her early retirement... I seek not to blame the fading away on these experiences, but to accept what has been part of my past so that I can move on and change the future.
While reflecting on my college "career", the chapter of my life I am just now ending, a couple weeks ago I came to the conclusion that parts of who I was (and who I still am) have faded away. This chapter is largely defined by the bumps I've encountered along the way; first, a worsening in my allergic reactions, then transferring school not once but several times, moving to a new home in a different town, learning that my mother's physical problems would become disabilities leading to her early retirement... I seek not to blame the fading away on these experiences, but to accept what has been part of my past so that I can move on and change the future.
Back in high school, I pursued my interests as much as possible. The semester I spent in Germany inspired me to further my knowledge of the culture and language so I took German language classes and became the Vice President of the German club. I am a geek at heart - I became secretary of my high school's National Honor Society. I also love helping others and volunteering; I joined the Key Club and became Co-President of S.H.A.R.P. (Students Helping And Reaching Peers). Beyond those interests, I enjoy learning about business and I enjoy art- I took as many business and art classes as I could!
During college, though, I became engrossed by the obstacles that perhaps some people would just stumble upon before moving forward. Rather than becoming part of the world I was in, and rather than truly emerging with it I believe that I stuck to the outside and clinged too closely perhaps to what I knew - home.
I suppose you could say that transferring schools affected my involvement in extracurricular activities, but again I am not trying to blame anything on the obstacles I encountered.
Instead, now that those four and a half years are over and that chapter is closing I will be raising a glass and saying CHEERS, because it is time to begin a new chapter. A chapter filled with the things I love and the people I love most- a chapter not to be defined by the obstacles, but to be defined by experiences. I hope to engage in my community, meet new people- volunteer. Pay attention to events occurring around me. Learn more about fashion, cooking, baking, world affairs... experiment, figure out what I like. Figure out what I don't like. Figure out where I belong in society...
During college, though, I became engrossed by the obstacles that perhaps some people would just stumble upon before moving forward. Rather than becoming part of the world I was in, and rather than truly emerging with it I believe that I stuck to the outside and clinged too closely perhaps to what I knew - home.
I suppose you could say that transferring schools affected my involvement in extracurricular activities, but again I am not trying to blame anything on the obstacles I encountered.
Instead, now that those four and a half years are over and that chapter is closing I will be raising a glass and saying CHEERS, because it is time to begin a new chapter. A chapter filled with the things I love and the people I love most- a chapter not to be defined by the obstacles, but to be defined by experiences. I hope to engage in my community, meet new people- volunteer. Pay attention to events occurring around me. Learn more about fashion, cooking, baking, world affairs... experiment, figure out what I like. Figure out what I don't like. Figure out where I belong in society...
Now- I understand that college is a learning experience for everyone and that it continues well into the 20's decade. I also understand that while I lost some parts of myself during my college "career", I discovered other parts of myself so I am not frowning upon this part of my life. I have encountered so many people who are influencing my "now" and my future: professors, parents of the children I babysit, friend, even the gentlemen I have dated.
I believe that everything happens for a reason and given the obstacles I have encountered throughout my college experience I believe now I am ready for a re-birth. I am the most independent I have ever been - I am more responsible now for my future than I have ever been.
Who I am, and who I will become is up to me.
I believe that everything happens for a reason and given the obstacles I have encountered throughout my college experience I believe now I am ready for a re-birth. I am the most independent I have ever been - I am more responsible now for my future than I have ever been.
Who I am, and who I will become is up to me.