In August 2013, my journey as a university student started. Like Alice entering Wonderland for the first time, I was lost and confused. Alone in an unknown world called the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, I had to learn how to be independent and fight for myself. While my high school friends went to smaller universities, I went all out and chose one of the biggest. If you asked me, I never thought I was going to spend 10 years of my life in the same place, but I don’t regret it, because I learned so much about life and acquired so much academic knowledge. These years shaped a new, better me, because I am nothing close to what I used to be during my high school years or even my freshman year of college. All these years I had longed to finally get out and be free, yet now that it’s time to say goodbye, I have a strange bittersweet feeling in my heart, but every chapter must come to an end…
You must be wondering, why I spent 10 years in college, and it’s because I completed my bachelor’s and master’s without taking a time gap between the two degrees. Time flies without notice and I didn’t even realize how much time I spent between the walls of La IUPI. Being there means being in a constant state of learning and that is something you don’t understand until the moment you are about to step out.
During my first year, I had to face all of my fears. Since I lived so far from campus, I had to learn how to drive, which I was very afraid of, but I did it and now I can drive anywhere. I learned the meaning of true friendship, as I made lots of friends. Some of them I still talk to, while others I don’t know where they are. Hopefully, they are thriving and shining. I started managing my social anxiety, because I was forced to be independent in order to live. Many times, I had to go get food on my own, I had to talk with professors, I had to fight for spots in a class, or I had to pay for my classes. Even if my hands were shaking, I had to do it, and spoiler alert: everything turned out fine.
It took me so long to finish studying because there were many circumstances slowing me down: hurricanes, strikes, earthquakes, pandemic. I was fighting for my life here! Yet, I am a living example of “where there is a will, there is a way.” I thought about dropping out many times, especially during the pandemic, but something in me told me that I had to keep going. My mom and my friends also were an important part of this process, as they never allowed me give to up. They always believed I could, and I did
As I completed my studies, I always felt like I was lost in space. I felt like everyone was taking their studies too seriously and I wasn’t, even though I was, otherwise I wouldn’t have finished. I felt like I wasn’t mature enough to be in college. I even thought everyone knew more than me. Over time, I learned how to get invested in the themes discussed and I caught up. I would say that mentally, I matured during my master’s, because I noticed that my thoughts were better organized and more centered on what I was doing. In conclusion: I became an adult thanks to La IUPI.
Since I was a full time student, I had a lot of time on my hands and while looking for new things to try, I found HC at UPR. I love writing, it’s a great way to pour my heart and let my very loud mind talk, so I decided to join. I’m very thankful that they accepted me and even though I don’t talk much or share much, they’ve always received me with open arms. Joining HC at UPR made me grow as a writer and helped me through a lot. So thank you, Her Campus UPRRP!
Even though last year I had some setbacks with my thesis, I recently defended my thesis and it got approved, so I am finally graduating in May. This time, I say farewell to my campus and I’ve been way emotional about it. My college journey felt everlasting, but others are expecting me to continue studying. Maybe in the future, but for now, I deserve a break and some time to reflect on who I am and what I want to do.
As I cross La Plaza Antonia and walk down the corridors of La Torre one last time, I leave all the happy memories, all the tears of frustration, all the anger, and all I was within the walls because I am now a part of its history.
Goodbye IUPI, thank you for giving me the best years of my life!