My journey at SIUE as far as an undergraduate student has been good! Before attending college, I was not the most school-oriented person and was not aware of my potential if I just applied myself. This could have been a direct effect because growing up I had many responsibilities on my shoulders on top of school which caused school to have my divided attention rather than my undivided attention. Right when I turned 16, I got an actual job where I was receiving checks instead of stipends, I diverted most of my attention towards that which led me to not perform as well as I could have. It all started in the first semester in my Political Science course where I realized I am smarter and better than I thought I was, when I apply myself and have a growth mindset rather than a fixed one. I went from a 3.2 student in high school to a 4.0 student in college which is the opposite of many statistics. I was unaware of my potential. First semester I was trying to become more outgoing as that is something I struggle with and I in fact ended up doing so but then second semester I quickly reverted to my old, introverted ways and just went from class to my dorm and did not attend much campus activities. After class, I drive 30 mins back to Saint Louis to work at my job. My plan of becoming a lawyer is still the same but the route I am taking did alter a bit. First semester, I was majoring in political science, minoring in prelaw. Second semester, I changed my major to criminal justice and kept the same minor in prelaw.
My proudest accomplishment was getting a 4.0 GPA and making it on the dean’s list. Before college, I told myself time and time again that I want to make the dean’s list and do really well and God willingly, I am doing exactly so. Having the chance to join the CODES (Community Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars) program was something I was ecstatic and grateful for too. I plan to keep accomplishing and attaining my goals and aspirations.
Community: “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common,” which is what Google defines community as, and I can say the same. Before joining the CODES program, I was not very oriented in my community due to my family’s financial standpoint and monetary needs. This program has reiterated the importance of being invested in your community and even its surroundings.