Diary Of A Freshman
Going into college after high school presents many challenges for students. From having to become more independent to improving time management and organizational skills, it can be a challenge to adapt.
For those of us who wanted to attend college after high school, we were constantly being reminded that if we wanted to get into a school that was more competitive, we had to do things that would make us stand out. They’d tell us to take advanced classes like AP, be more involved in school by being in clubs or sports, or have a leadership position in extracurricular activities.
In the beginning of my senior year, I felt lost I didn’t know where I wanted to go. But what I did know was that I wanted to have options. So, during my time in high school I tried my best to build up a good transcript by taking quite a few honors and advanced classes to be able to apply to schools that were more competitive.
Another issue was my choice in career for so long becoming a veterinarian was what my goal, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do anymore. Other subjects started to interest me, but most importantly I realized my true passion.
Ever since childhood, creating things with my hands has been a joy. I love to draw, paint, make origami, knit and more. But I was conflicted I wanted to major in art, but my parents weren’t exactly thrilled with the idea.
The reason for that was because of the stigma against it and humanities. Many people, including myself at some point, are led to believe that there are no jobs in those fields, where there are the jobs are in STEM majors, and I didn’t realize this was not the case until my senior year.
Thankfully my English teacher helped me realize, through her own experience, that money isn’t what we should be striving for instead we should strive to find happiness. She shared how after almost completing a nursing program she came to the realization that was not what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, so she quit, and instead pursued a career of her choice, not anyone else’s.
After hearing her story and her experience, I was certain of what I wanted to pursue. That it is why when it came time to start college applications, I chose visual arts as my major even if my parents were not thrilled with the idea.
But when the time came to decide, it was very difficult and stressful because I didn’t know where I wanted to go. My counselor suggested I apply to Cal States, UCs and private universities, but I wasn’t sure if that was the right choice. I considered applying to art school, but in most schools you needed a portfolio, something I did not have prepared. So I didn’t know what to do next.
Not only that, I was also concerned about money. Would financial aid and my parent’s financial support even be enough to cover tuition? My parents aren’t wealthy, so would I have to consider having a part time job to help cover for it?
After a couple of weeks, I still did not know what I was going to do. I would hear other students talk about how they had finished and sent their applications, and at that point, I felt even more lost than I did in the beginning.
Then one day an opportunity presented itself. Some representatives from Citrus College went to our English classes to talk about the Promise Program which they were offering to high school students.
If eligible, like being a high school seniors graduating and meet certain requirements, like applying for Financial Aid each year by either submitting a FAFSA or Dream Act application, Citrus College would cover enrollment and mandatory fees (including the registration, health service, student representation, class pass and student services fees) for fall and spring semesters for the first two years.
This was a great opportunity because not only was it going to save my parents money, it gave me time to figure out what to do next. I knew what I love to do, but I was still undecided in terms of a career. So, I did what I had to do to get accepted into the program and once I was accepted I was able to attend school during the fall semester of 2019.
Before starting school, I was excited yet nervous. I was new to the campus and the only people I knew were my friends from high school, and in my classes I didn’t know anyone. I knew it was going to be different from high school, but I didn’t know how different nor what to expect. But at the same time, I was excited because I was to be taking art classes.
In the beginning, I thought I was going to be able to get away with procrastinating, which is something I do often, but that was no longer going to work. I needed to start managing my time and organizing myself, but that has proven to be difficult. So, I’m hoping I can figure out a method of organization that best suits me.
Another change was my newfound independence. I was so used to my teachers constantly reminding me to do their work, when there was going to be a test, or even informing us about events going on at school. But now that’s something I must do on my own.
But it wasn’t as bad as I thought, especially since I am used to being independent from my family in terms of anything school related. My mom couldn’t help me because she’s not familiar with how the education system works, nor is fluent in English I’ve always had to rely on my peers as well as my teachers and counselors to help me get through school.
My motivation is different as well. In high school, I didn’t want to be there I was forced to go whereas now, I am choosing to be here. I wanted to go to college because I wanted to further my education. Not only that, I know it can help present opportunities which I may not have otherwise.
Getting accustomed to these new changes has not been easy. Fortunately, having people around me who understands how I feel and being able to turn to them when needed, has helped tremendously. My hope is to be able to make the best of the years to come. I want to meet new people, experience many new things, but most importantly, I want to figure out where I want to go and end up.
