October last year, when I submitted my application for the University of Texas at Austin, I had no clue what the future would hold for me. As a first-generation Latina, I was scared to leave my family, but I’m so glad I was able to take the first step in order to achieve my desired future. My first semester definitely had a couple of twists and turns but I would not change anything for the world!
For starters, the beginning of the semester was tough, not because I was struggling academically or getting homesick, but because I had no time for myself. I would constantly go explore campus with my friends, attend all club events and info-sessions, and do my school work that I NEVER had any time for myself. To those who truly know me, as much as I’m an ambivert, leaning more towards being an extrovert, I LOVE my alone time and solitude. Over time, I ended up resolving this issue by making sure I had my alone time whenever I had a break in-between my classes.
Ironically, as much as I love my alone time, I also enjoy being constantly busy. This semester, outside of academics, I was able to join Her Campus at Texas and my sorority, Sigma Delta Lambda. These organizations brought a fulfilling feeling to my life. With Her Campus Texas, I was able to focus on my favorite hobby, writing! I also managed to meet a good friend, Camila, through this org!
I told myself in high school that I would never join a sorority because initially, I thought they were a waste of time. However, seeing so many girls near my age who look just like me and have shared my struggles made me feel safe and excited to try something new. Through my sorority, I was able to make new friends, grow academically, and was able to be my authentic self!
Luckily, while doing all of this, I was still hard at work academically AND also working an on-campus job. My academics will ALWAYS come first, no matter what, because I am here to earn my degree! In my spare time, I would make sure to lock in whether it was studying for a test or completing an assignment.
All of this to say now that the semester is coming to an end, this semester was definitely a change in scenery and something I wasn’t used to. I will continue to make mistakes, and I will learn and continue to grow each time. This environment has definitely allowed me to grow into someone I will be proud of in the future!