This semester has been full of ups and downs for me, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Some of the highlights of my fall semester include:
1. Recipient of the APIASF/NBC Universal Scholarship
As a first generation, low-income Asian American student at UIC majoring in English with a concentration Professional Writing, I am eligible to apply for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF). During my senior year of high school, I applied for an APIASF scholarship and unfortunately, I was rejected. I am not sure why I decided to try again, six years later, even though I have failed before in the past. But, I took a leap of faith, and with the help of my counselors at Bottom Line. I received my first non-merit based scholarship. To this day, I am still very grateful for the generosity of APIASF, NBC Universal, and the guidance of my success counselors.
2. New Major Concentration: from American Literature to Professional Writing
After taking UIC’s Media and Professional Writing class, English 202, with Dr. Margena A. Christian, I realized that it is possible to combine my love for technology and writing together. When I chose to take this class, I didn’t know what to expect but I have always wanted to learn how to write professionally. Little did I know, I would be learning how to create my own website on WordPress, learn how to write press releases, and various forms of digital content. From the moment I stepped into class, I knew this is something that I want to do in the future as an English major.
3. New Job: Pandora Jewelers
Back in July of 2016, I went to Pandora for the very first time to take advantage of the Buy 2 Get 1 Free rings promotion. At the time, I was employed at Dylan’s Candy Bar, I was ready for a new gig and change of setting after working at the candy store for a little over a year. Who would have thought that I would be offered a job? It was all because of my candy button bracelet; it turns out that the store manager was selling product to me the whole time. We striked up a conversation and like that, we instantly connected. She gave me a job application, and I started working there a couple of days before the start of the semester in August.
4. New Member: HerCampus UIC
To be honest, I have been wanting to join HerCampus since my sophomore year at UIC. At the time, I was unable to locate the HerCampus booth during the Involvement Fair. I was so happy when I found the table at the Fall 2016 Involvement Fair, I quickly wrote down my information, and I have been writing ever since. I love the idea of having monthly meetings, the ability to free write, represent the UIC chapter at events like College Fashion Week, and attending fun team bonding events like Thanksgiving potluck.
5. Learning Mandarin Chinese for the very first time
Growing up in a family with Chinese parents, they never taught me how to speak Mandarin. Everywhere I go, I meet tourists who speak Mandarin and I always regret not being able to assist them to the best of my abilities. Since I had an extra elective, and my friends have complimented my instructor; I gave Chinese 101 a try this semester. I can now speak, write, read, and understand simplified Chinese. I recently tested my skills and abilities by applying them to a text message conversation with my mother, her reaction was priceless, and I am a bit sad because I have no more electives to continue the sequence.
6. Taking all of the classes that I want to take
I consider myself fortunate. This is one of the semesters where I was able to register for all of the classes that I need and want to take without any unforeseen conflicts. If you read my recent post about class registration, every semester I would create multiple schedules – one I really want, and two as a backup. Classes like COMM 101 are very popular and competitive; they usually fill up well before I get a chance to register.
7. Developing stronger relationships with my professors and instructors
This semester, I have spent a lot time visiting my instructors during their office hours. During this time, I learned more about them and received answers to questions that I otherwise wouldn’t have figured it out myself. Especially in Spanish class, I went from struggling to doing a lot better by fully understanding what is expected of me rather than just assuming. For my Media and Professional Writing class, visits to Dr. Christian’s office is almost a ritual. When she first introduced WordPress to the class and having to create one for the class, I panicked and went to her office asking for help. We figured out a lot of features that WordPress has to offer, I ended up helping my classmates through my discoveries and mistakes, and I am excited to be her student again this Spring!
8. Student Ambassador for Bottom Line
As I have mentioned above, Bottom Line is one of the reasons for my continuous success here at UIC. One of the ways I attempt to give back to the organization is by volunteering my time. Some of the events include speaking about my college experience thus far, talking about the benefits I have received with the guidance and support from Bottom Line, and participating in a photoshoot.
9. Accenture / Genesys Works Mentorship Program
As an active alumna of Genesys Works, I am fortunate enough to participate in their inaugural mentorship program with Accenture one of their clients. In this program, I am paired up with a mentor that works for Accenture. I meet up with my mentor every month, and I would receive advice on anything from college to career exploration. I enjoy gaining insight from my mentor and learning about her journey thus far.
I honestly thought that 2016 was my year, and nothing could go wrong. Little did I know that amidst all of my highlights, I lost my aunt along the way due to depression. This event was detrimental to my family; no one had a chance to say goodbye to her, and I helplessly saw my mother cry for the very first time. All I could say to my mother was that aunt does not want to see us like this, and we must continue to shoot for the stars. To this day, my family and I still miss my aunt, and it takes a lot to hide the news from my aging grandmother.
Last but not least, Thanksgiving Day was off to a rough start, we had to retrieve my mother’s car that was wrongfully towed. Not only did the towers make us go find the car on our own, we had to pay over $200 if we want back, and if we left it until Friday it would be double the price. The building manager said it was my mother’s fault for not reading the signs and familiarizing herself with the new policies, even though she had permission to park her car overnight. We were mad, it was literally an hour before we had to celebrate my grandmother’s 84th birthday and eat with my father’s side of the family. I requested an Uber for my parents and I to go retrieve our car, and we met strangers who also got their cars towed.
I kept telling myself that tomorrow will be a new day, full of promises, and just do my very best to make the most of my day whether it is good or bad.
2016 is coming to an end very soon. 2017 is right around the corner, and I am excited to see what 2017 has in store!
I already have two New York trips planned for the summer of 2017. One of the trips is for HerConference – it will be a fun experience, and one thing I can cross off my bucket list.