Now that my first year of college is coming to an end, I feel like I’ve been able to grow and learn a lot in different ways. I’ve gone through both good and hard experiences, but I’m glad I was able to live through all of them.
How have your goals and ideas changed?
Hearing about college in high school and actually living it has really changed my perspective altogether. I came into college having an idea of what it would look like for me, but now that the school year is almost over I feel like it wasn’t exactly as I imagined it. My biggest goal was just figuring out what I wanted to major in, but sadly I haven’t been able complete that yet, so I guess I will continue to make it a goal for next year. While that will still be the same, I have however changed my perspective about my grades. In high school I was focused on only getting straight-A’s, but now I’m more lenient on myself because I’ve realized that there are other things I should prioritize a little more. Granted I still try to get good grades, I just don’t beat myself up for it as much anymore.
What have been your biggest accomplishments?
I would say I currently have 2 big accomplishments that I’m super proud of. The first being my involvements. I knew I wanted to join clubs and be an active member in them, but I’d never think I’d be this involved like I currently am now. In Student Government I was elected Vice President, and in the Hispanic Student Union some of the members would also like to see me have a high leadership position there too. The second accomplishment I would recognize is being able to find good friends in various social groups. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to make friends because I’m more introverted, but surprisingly I have a pretty strong circle and I couldn’t be more happy with myself and the growth I’ve made here.
How have your ideas about community changed and developed over the last year?
I would say my main focus about community still remains the same; helping where and when I can. During my times in college, being able to volunteer at SIUE and around the Edwardsville area has shown me more about different kinds of communities. Since I’m from Kansas City I always grew up only knowing that community, but now that I’m in a new environment I can see differences and similarities between them. It’s allowed me to have a different perspective and one that I think I can use to better serve and help the communities I find myself in.