The moment I realized I was graduating, I thought college would feel long, like I had plenty of time to figure everything out. I expected myself to move slowly, learning as I went and adjusting without any issues. Instead, time moved faster than I could have ever imagined, and I did not notice it until I reached the end. Now I am here, about to graduate, trying to understand how everything passed so quickly. It feels strange to be at this point and realize how much has changed since I first came to the University of Central Florida in Fall 2023.
My journey was not smooth. I faced moments where I was overwhelmed, uncertain, and mentally drained. At the same time, I experienced growth, connection, and clarity in ways I did not expect. Every part of this experience shaped who I am now.
Obstacles That Shaped My College Experience
I remember starting at UCF and thinking graduation was far away. I believed I had time to adjust, make mistakes, and still figure things out. As the semesters passed, everything started blending. I went from planning my first classes to enrolling in my final semester. I did not realize how quickly that shift happened until it was already here.
Looking back, the smallest moments stand out the most. Late nights studying, rushing to class, and random conversations with friends felt ordinary at the time. I did not think much of them while living through them. Now they feel like pieces of a timeline I cannot recreate. Time moved faster than I was ready for.
My college experience had a more difficult start than I expected. During Fall 2023, I struggled with depression, homesickness, and being away from my family. Those challenges affected my academic performance and led me to academic probation. This terrified me because I was only starting my journey, and I did not want to get removed from UCF. That moment forced me to confront things I had been avoiding and became a turning point in how I approached school and myself.
I had to rebuild my habits and mindset from the ground up. I learned how to ask for help instead of isolating myself. I also learned how to manage stress in healthier ways. My time after that was focused on stability and consistency, which was a period that shaped my discipline more than any class ever did.
One of the biggest changes I made was switching my major from health sciences to psychology in Spring 2025. That decision set me back a year, and at first it felt discouraging. I worried about falling behind and losing momentum. Over time, I realized I chose something that fit me better. That shift made my academic path more meaningful.
After that change, I started building experiences that aligned with my goals. I worked as a research assistant and learned how to apply psychological concepts in real-world settings. I also became a teaching assistant for two classes, which helped me build confidence in guiding others. I completed an internship at a non-profit organization that showed me the impact I wanted to make. Each role added something important to my growth.
Joining Her Campus and Finding My Voice
I joined Her Campus UCF in Spring 2025, exactly a year ago, and it changed how I saw myself. Before joining, I struggled to express my thoughts clearly. I always had a love for writing. Writing gave me a space to process my experiences honestly. It helped me understand myself deeper. It also gave me confidence to share my voice on certain topics that hit close to me, or to inform others about what is going on around us.
Through Her Campus, I found a creative outlet that felt real to me. I learned how to turn personal experiences into something meaningful. I also built connections with people who encouraged my growth. It became one of the most important parts of my college experience, and I enjoyed every second of it. As mentioned by Alesa Mitchell from Her Campus CAU, college quickly shifts into post-grad planning, which leads graduating seniors to feel the weight of everyday moments near the end of their journey.
What I Am Leaving With
When I think about what I am leaving with, I think about relationships first. I built friendships that became a major part of my life. I also met someone who became my significant other, and we have been together for two and a half years. That relationship grew alongside my college journey; it became a steady part of my life through all the changes.
I also leave with strong support from professors who guided me along the way. They provided recommendations and encouragement when I needed direction. Even after getting rejected from the PsyD program I applied to, I stayed grounded in my next steps. I created a backup plan that still aligns with my goals. That moment taught me how to move forward without losing direction.
Graduation feels like a mix of relief, disbelief, and reflection. My path was not easy nor linear, and I had to adjust more than once to keep going. I faced setbacks, mental health challenges, and academic pressure. I also experienced growth, stability, and new opportunities. All of it mattered in getting me to this point.
Time moved faster than I expected, but I learned how to grow through it. I am leaving UCF with more than a bachelor’s degree. I am leaving with experiences that shaped how I think and how I move forward. I am leaving with relationships, lessons, and direction for what comes next. I understand everything it took for me to get here.