College

We're all trying to figure out who we are. We're all on unique journeys that have taken us all over the place and will continue to take us god knows where. Every person has experiences that they have encountered on their path in life that they would say largely helped them to grow into the person that they are. For me, one of the most influential of those experiences was college. I would say that my college experience was both typical and unique in its own sense. I took on difficult courses, joined numerous student organizations and took part in countless events throughout my time at school, and all of that largely contributed to who I am today. Although a large part of the experience, I don't think that your studies should be the only thing that you take away from your collegiate experience. They say that it's not just about the grades you make, but the hands you shake and that statement really rings true in my case. I met so many people through school, whether it be from class, from student organizations, from parties, or simply meeting someone while walking to class. Each of the people that I encountered effected me in one way or another. I've had people exert a very good influence on me. People who brought out the best in me, and helped me to achieve more than I ever thought I could. However, I also encountered many people that had a negative effect on me. I met people who had their priorities all out of order and I hate to admit it, but they helped me to lose track of what was important as well. However, that obviously didn't stop me, seeing as I ended up walking across the stage regardless. Many of my professors were some of the most influential people I'd say I encountered in school. Though they pushed me hard, I'll always be grateful for all that I learned from them. Student organizations were another huge part of my collegiate experience. Getting involved in greek life helped me to come out of my shell socially and become an entirely different person from who I was in high school. Getting involved with environmental groups helped further develop my previously held convictions. Joining and contributing to various philanthropic causes showed me that there are causes much greater than myself worth investing my time into. Obviously studying was a huge part of the experience. I spent countless nights awake, whether it be at the library, at Barsema, or at home, working on papers and studying for tests. The work was difficult, there's no denying that, but it was well worth it. All the time and effort I put into my academic studies culminated with me walking across that stage last summer and I still look at my diploma with great pride because it is a symbol of all that I have accomplished and a reminder of what I'm capable of. Through all the adversity, through all the sleepless nights, through all the ups and downs, I'd do it all over again a million times if I could. College helped me to grow into the person that I am today. It cemented my beliefs, it allowed me to travel the world and learn so much more than I could ever compress here. All in all, it was the best part of my life and I'll always look back on it fondly.