My Undergraduate Experience in a Nutshell:
I attended a small private Christian University in Houston, TX. I never planned on attending this school but I guess that is where God wanted me. My college experience did not start off that great, but I made the most of it. I was put in the wrong classes. I didn't take classes for my major until second semester/sophomore year and I was struggling to maintain old friendships. There were many pros and cons to attending this college but overall I really had a good experience and had a large support system there.
Now onto the takeaways:
- Don't be afraid to ask! : I hate asking for things. Anything really. Whether it be a question in class or asking to stay the night in a friends dorm. I love to be self-reliant and not have to depend on others, but there are times when you do need a little help. Whether it be understanding a part of a lecture you zoned out on (yes that's happened) or asking for support such as rec letters, etc. I've learned that the worse thing a person can say is: NO and there is nothing wrong with that! Hey at least you tried. But you never know there may be an opportunity waiting on the other side or you may have saved yourself from countless hours of searching for an answer.
-Seek new opportunities (don't let fear stop you): Fear is paralyzing. It is also the enemy. If I allowed my fear to get in the way of any opportunity that came my way then I would have missed out on A LOT. I wouldn't have been able to go on 3 FREE trips and travel to different states touring graduate schools with my schools TRIO program (again for free). I wouldn't have made the connections with important people I've met at special events. I wouldn't have given a TEDx Talk in front of over a hundred people and reach thousands of people viewing from YouTube. I would not have gotten the scholarships I continued applying for. There is so much more but you get the idea. If I allowed fear to get in my way, I would have missed out on so many experiences.
- Not everyone is your friend (be watchful, stay prayed up): Whew child! I could write a book in this section. I believe that my hardships have taught me so much. Not only that, but I have GROWN a lot from those experiences. I would say that I am a very nice person, caring and compassionate. I like PEACE and if there is any issue I may have (this is where I went wrong) I just sweep things under the rug, try to forget and move on. This was very damaging to me. I allowed others actions affect me and I did not give myself the time to receive closure. Although a couple of friendships have died, I stayed prayerful. It made me realize that not everyone is your friend and has your best interests in mind. You need friends that are spiritually in tune. Not everyone is on the same journey in life nor spiritually. If you find people that vibe with you on a spiritual level, cling to them and never let them go. You'll realize that same person that loves the same "corny" music as you may end up being your best friend (hey best friend ;). Those hardships also made me appreciate the friends I do have and the people that I have been around for years. Don't take those for granted. I love my friends and I love how supportive they are and how they always make me feel loved, even when we may not see each other for months. I've learned that if you are that same loving friend to someone else, then those are the types of friends you will attract.
-Appreciate those who really care (you never know when they may leave) : You never know how great a person was until they are gone. There have been so many great staff members at HBU that have left to pursue bigger things like my TRIO success coaches. It makes me wish I would have stopped by the office one last time. Appreciate those who care for you.
-Find a safe haven/ group separate from your academics : Gen 1 was my save haven. Gen 1 felt like family. There were many times where I felt so grateful that I joined this group. I was able to get away from the stresses of school and people. This was a place where lasting friendships and bonds were created. I met so many awesome people and touched so many lives. I loved my mentees and they still call me up and ask for advice or help. That means I must have done something right (lol). Anytime I was there we had a good time and those are memories I will cherish forever.
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