This article is a reflection for me to truly recognize who I am and what I have done to be my best self and set myself up for success. I think it is important to recognize the great things you have done for yourself and celebrate who you have become as a person.Â
- Graduating EarlyÂ
I have always been a driven student in my academics and I am so proud of the student I have continued to be even in college. I pushed myself to take summer and winter classes as well as college classes during high school and damn, it paid off! I feel like it hasn’t hit me yet that I graduate this December; 2023 is the year!
- Working in Childcare
The pandemic pushed me out of my comfort zone with jobs and encouraged me to pursue private nannying. This job has been beneficial to me in many aspects. For one, the jobs allow me to work with multiple different aged kids and their families. The families I have met along the way have changed my life for the better in so many ways for which I am so grateful.Â
- Paying for college and working through school Â
I have always worked hard to make money and support myself as soon as I was able to start working. My family has been amazing as a support system but financially, college is an undertaking not many can handle. Thankfully, working through college and always being smart with my money has allowed me to be finishing school with only a small amount of loans. Plus, working to apply for and earn scholarships has saved me so much, and shows that my dedication to my education pays off.
- Balancing being an active member on campus and academic student
Often we believe that we are so busy we don’t have time to get involved and make a difference on campus but that’s not true. I found ways to balance my schedule and tackle multiple clubs and even join leadership roles. Currently, I am the secretary of both Her Campus and Women’s Club Volleyball. I am also involved with Early Childhood Organization and Kappa Delta Pi (Educational Honor Society). I have been able to meet so many amazing people through these organizations and am so thankful for my experiences. Balancing it may not always be easy but I am so proud of myself for doing it. My younger self is screaming for me as I get out of my comfort zone *by a lot*, and take on leadership positions!!! I never thought I would be where I am right now.
- Learning to navigate newfound independence
College is a scary time; we are learning how to be on our own for the first time. I had the chance to live in a dorm during sophomore year and it taught me a ton about who I am as a person on my own. Being able to recognize my love for living with others has been great, and I can’t wait to move forward with these things after college. Also, learning how to advocate for myself, and solve problems that arise without calling my parents. It is okay to ask your parents for help but it is so awesome to realize that you are capable of doing things on your own. Even small things like scheduling appointments, calling businesses, asking for help from others, etc. Lately, I have found pride in my independence and my ability to take care of myself without relying on others for that happiness.Â
If you take anything from this article then it has served more than just me. This article was a way for me to reflect on myself and my accomplishments but it can help others too. All of us are strong, and all of us have done so much in this world SO BE PROUD OF YOURSELF! You are doing amazing and life will work out the way it is meant to.