August 25th, 2025. My first day of college classes.  New school, unfamiliar faces, unfamiliar places, and change in everything I knew… Coming into college I was to say the least unprepared but ready.   I came in thinking it would be easy and as long as I did what I needed to do I would be great.  I never expected to endure the character changes within myself that I did.   When thinking back on these changes I am grateful for the push that each gave me. 

 

The first change I want to mention is my change in sociality. Coming from a very small tight knit high school class, I went from knowing and talking to everyone to barely knowing anyone. As someone who thrives off of my daily interactions with my peers and faculty, coming to school not having this made me very nervous and quiet. During the first weeks, I did nto talk to many people, most of the time my small conversations would be discussions forced upon us by our professors, but with that little help I began to develop a bit of confidence.   I began conversing with people outside of just class discussions.   We would walk to classes together, talk about life, and even the class we shared. Over time this confidence gave me the ability to speak up more for myself when I didn’t understand an assignment or needed help. Now that I have overcome this, I am able to advocate not only for myself,  but changes that can be made for others. In April I worked the CPS All Star game and expressed afterwards the possible changes and upgrades that should be utilized to ensure there is a greater attendance turn out next year and more years to come.   Overcoming my social fear helped me also become super active on campus as well.   I was a bearcat buddies tutor and gave tours as a ROAR Tour Guide. None of these things could have been done if I did not grow from my nervousness and fear that I started with. 

 

This past year I also grew heavily in my faith.  As someone who grew up in the church and attended private catholic schools from the 7th to 12th grade I also feel that I had a strong foundation in my faith, but it was more because of how I grew up then because I had a personal connection. This year I was heavily able to step into what I believed and see how God works for me.  I was consistent in attending weekly bible studies and YAM sessions known as young adult meetings.  I would not have gotten through my first year without God. Like previously mentioned, I had a rough start to my first semester, but I always called on God to help me and never change my heart. I enjoyed deepening my faith,  but at the level in which I understood God and was able to further my connection and walk with him as well. 

 

My growth throughout my first year alone has made me so proud of myself.  Every challenge I have faced, bump in the road, and time I failed have led me to be not only thee student, but person that I am today.   I am proud of who I was at the start, but even more proud of who I have become.  I am excited to see what this next year brings me, hoping I can do more for myself and more for the community around me.