If someone had told me four years ago that I’d be who I am today, graduating in less than two weeks, I would not believe it. For a while, I didn’t think it was possible to do anything on my own, and my mind was my worst enemy. How was I supposed to live away from home, away from the support system that struggled for years to keep me healthy and happy? Not to mention the stress of figuring out what I would do with my life, managing my coursework, and try and make friends when everyone still had to wear masks.
The fear of the unknown is something that I’ve struggled with for so long, but college is full of unknowns. Somehow and some way, being thrown straight into the unknown is exactly what I needed.
As someone who always had an interest in science, I realized that dissecting animals and organic chemistry was not for me. I needed something more creative. I wanted to find a career path where I could create things the world can see. SCMA had everything I was looking for.
Even though I was terrified for the unknowns that college would bring, I was excited for the blank slate with endless opportunities to find out more about myself. I found friends that truly make me feel at home. I found a major that allows me to do things I am passionate about. I found out how to live on my own. And most importantly, as a girl from New Jersey, I found out how to pump my own gas.
In four years, I have changed in so many ways. A new group of friends, a new hair color, a new favorite coffee order, and a new hope for the future. However, I am far from perfect. My housemates can attest that I still can’t wake up to my alarms. My professors can attest that I am always late to class. Public Safety officers can attest that I still struggle to park between the lines. So yes, there’s plenty for me to work on.
As for where I go from here, I have no idea. When I think of all the unknowns that graduation brings, I have to remind myself “How did I end up here?” because for a long time, I didn’t believe I could get to where I am today. I’ve made it this far, I know I can keep going.
Venturing into the unknown that is college, I slowly began to figure out who I am, and what my hopes are for the future. Working hard, facing my fears, and making lifelong friendships is what got me here.
For anyone going into college, or graduating like me, it is important to know that the unknown holds the greatest potential. Instead of avoiding the unknown out of fear, we need to embrace it to get the most out of it. Find what you love to do, meet new people, and appreciate every moment of college because it goes by fast.
Although my college journey is coming to an end, the only thing that stops is the rent and tuition payments. The skills I have learned, friendships I’ve made, and changes I’ve done will carry throughout the rest of my life. I am so grateful to SHU for giving me a place to grow into myself and set me on the path to fully become the person I want to be. In a few years, wherever I will be, I can’t wait to once again ask myself, “How did I end up here?”
