As a senior with one semester left in my undergraduate career, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my time at Florida State. If you would have asked me three years ago what I thought my time at FSU would be like, I can promise you I would have never been able to imagine what it’s actually been like. For better or for worse, I have been through some of the highest and lowest points in life and I wouldn’t change any of it. Everything that I experienced has shaped me in one way or another and has taught me invaluable life lessons that I want to share with you all today. Now, where do I even begin?
Courtesy: Miranda Torres
When I first attended orientation, I was terrified of the thought of living in Tallahassee for four years. I grew up in a very Cuban family in Miami so to say life in Tallahassee is a bit of a culture change for me is an understatement. The food is different, the people are different, the culture is very different and Spanish isn’t the main language spoken at every gas station, bakery and CVS. Moving to a city that is the polar opposite of what I grew up in taught me that I’m much more adaptable than I knew.
Courtesy: Miranda Torres
Being away from my family for the first time was also a challenge at first. Not having your parents around to help you out can be scary and difficult, but it never stopped me. Sure, I miss them every day and not being around to watch my little sister grow up is hard, but I know they want me to be here working hard and they wouldn’t change that for the world. Moving away from my family taught me how to be independent and live for myself.
Courtesy: Miranda Torres
Not having family around in college is hard, especially when it comes to needing support. I’m lucky enough to have made some of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life. The friends that I’ve made in these three years are the people who I will cherish for the rest of my life. Finding my own family here made FSU my home away from home. I’ve learned that family isn’t limited to your relatives.
However, not all friendships are meant to last and that’s ok. I’ve grown apart from former friends and groups and it has ended up being the biggest blessing. It can be hard to feel like you’re losing important people in your life, especially when you’re so far away from your home and your family. Walking away from friendships and people that weren’t right for me helped me to cultivate the relationships that were meant to last. I’ve learned to prioritize the real meaningful relationships and walk away from people who are not right for you.
Courtesy: Dance Marathon at FSU
Making FSU’s huge campus feel smaller was only made possible by getting involved in multiple organizations. For example, joining Dance Marathon at FSU allowed me to find my home away from home and surround myself with the most selfless and driven people on campus. Going to a school with over 40,000 students can be intimidating, but I never lost myself because I joined organizations that aligned with my interests and passions. I’ve learned that getting involved on campus will significantly change your college experience, and life, for the better.
Courtesy: Miranda Torres
Truthfully, I have had the best three years of my life while attending FSU. I could never have imagined the amount of growth I would have experienced and the relationships that I’ve made. I wouldn’t change anything about my time here. Not for anything in the world. I’ll take every life lesson with me and every memory will be cherished for the rest of my life. Thank you for all of it, Florida State University.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!