I did not want to go to college. Which sounds crazy, thinking about it now. Growing up, I was not a good student, and I knew that. I would struggle in my classes and preferred to stay at home and do my own thing. The idea of coming to college was extremely scary for me, being away from home and having to be on my own for the first time. I used to tell my friends and parents that I wasn’t going to college at all. But what would I be doing if I didn’t go to school? I didn’t have an answer.
With nothing to do if I didn’t go to college, I had to rethink my plan. Lucky for me, I have a sister who is just a year older than I am. All throughout our childhood, I would get a glimpse of what was to come for me through her experiences. When she decided to go to Sacred Heart, I started thinking about doing the same. After I heard how much she liked the school, I made up my mind: I was going to Sacred Heart. To make my situation even better, my childhood best friend also decided to go here. Even if I was worried about college, I knew I would always have my sister and best friend there to help me out. A small piece of home would be with me every day, which made me feel better.
Despite my initial worries, the transition from high school/being home to being in college went smoothly. As soon as I moved into Merton Hall, I knew I was ready for this next part of my life. From the first day of class, I started thriving. I got As on all my assignments, met new people, and branched out, which was a drastic change from my school life back home.
Once I started doing better and receiving positive feedback from teachers, especially in my art and marketing classes, I grew more confident in myself and my work. Because of this, I felt inclined to get more involved with the school, which is when I joined The Spectrum, where I’ve been one for a little over a year as Photo Editor and Graphics Editor. Being involved gave me new opportunities and new connections. A teacher once told me that “it’s so important to tell students who do good that they are on the right track and to keep producing quality work,” which really stuck with me and made a difference in my life.
Not only was I surprised by the sudden change in my schoolwork and social life, but I was extremely proud of the person I was becoming while at Sacred Heart. My family was probably more surprised than I was; they watched me go from a little girl who hated school and struggled to a young woman who enjoyed school. It made them very proud.
I never thought in a million years I would be sad to finally be done with school. Never did I think I would go from struggling in all my classes when I was younger to now graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Silver Medal of Excellence, being a member of three honor societies and a part of an amazing club (shoutout The Spectrum). I am eternally grateful for the friends I made along the way, my teachers and advisors, and especially my family for supporting me these past four years. Sacred Heart University truly changed my life for the better, and now I feel ready for the next stage in my life!
