My senior year of high school I was a bit lost. When it came to deciding where I wanted to go to university, I honestly had no idea. I applied and was accepted into multiple schools, however, looking at each school’s websites online basically made no difference for me. So, my mom and I went and toured three schools, one in Boston, one in Rhode Island, and one in Tampa. All of the campuses were beautiful, and I knew that they all had what I was searching for, but touring them never gave me a clear-cut answer. It was not until early May when I finally chose to come to the University of Tampa, and I can truthfully say that after these past few weeks I truly am so happy that this is where I came to school.
Throughout freshman year I think it’s common to wonder if you should’ve chosen differently, but looking back today, I think those doubts are normal. When you’re adjusting to college life and figuring everything out it can be hard, but I believe that it does get better. Two weekends ago as I was watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Green Bay Packers I was filled with excitement as the world realized that Tampa would be the first team to ever play and host the Superbowl. Along with this milestone, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup while the Rays made it to the World Championship. This is historic and all I could think about is how lucky I am to be living in Tampa at this moment.
I imagined what my life would be like if I went to one of those other schools in Boston or Rhode Island. I would more than likely be stuck at home doing online learning for a year and a half, unable to truly experience college. It was at that moment, as I watched the game with my friends that I realized how grateful I was. I have always had doubts, but right then I realized that I have no regrets about my decision to come to UT. I know that this is the place where I am happiest, where I am surrounded by friends who love and support me, where I belong. It is such a freeing feeling and I’m so grateful to have found this even despite living amid a devastating pandemic surrounding all of us. Somehow, I was able to find peace and become truly happy.
I know that everyone has different situations and sometimes those feelings of doubt are actually telling us what is best for us, and it is important to listen to that. However, my point isn’t about loving college, but rather about the importance of looking within and listening to ourselves. In our chaotic world filled with political turmoil, we tend to forget about the good things happening around us. However, I believe that if we all just stop for a moment and search within ourselves, we will realize how lucky and grateful we are. It is important for each of us to appreciate every moment that we’re in, as even though I know that there will be days when I forget this feeling, it helps make each day easier. I’ve found some harmony and happiness in these crazy times and I encourage others to try to find this as well and if you do find it, try to hold onto it for as long as you can. :)