My first semester at San Diego State was a tough one! Let me tell you. Going to a school basically at the opposite end of the state was both exciting and terrifying. I always wanted to travel far for college, because I love to travel and the way I look at it, where you study for college is such a unique experience. When else in life can you pick a place to live for 4 years, with the ability to learn so much in addition to experiencing a place you've never been before. I feel so fortunate to be able to live in San Diego. It is a lot different from my hometown Yuba City. Moving from a small town to a big city was definitely a culture shock and I definitely feel as if San Diego is a better fit for me.
Although I feel this way now, that was not the case about 2 years ago. I was very homesick my first semester here, and being in a long distance relationship didn't help the case. Traveling back home frequently (flights be expensive to Norcal!!) was something that I do regret, because it took me away from fully immersing into my new life in San Diego. Nonetheless, I learned a lot and I am now happy to say that I have built a life here in San Diego, and I have learned more than I could have ever imagined.
After reading the article "Why Poor Students Struggle" by Vicki Madden, I definitely feel very fortunate to have been able to attend a 4 year university, and to have had the chance to be more independent. I feel as though college is so important for success, not only job-wise but in life as well. Learning how to be independent, self-motivated, and productive are all things that I have been able to learn. Balancing school life with a social life, as well as fulfilling personal goals is something that I have been progressively getting better at.
As the daughter of a single mom, I am blessed to be able to attend a 4 year university. My mom saved up for years, just so I would be able to get a college education and be able to build a life of my own. And for that I am so grateful. The first thing I want to do once I have enough money to support myself is to re-pay my mom for all that she has done for me.
Madden discusses that while although most students are capable of the rigorous academia, it is often the transition of a new life that students struggle with. No matter what background the student comes from, the transition from their old to new life isn't easy and everyone approaches it in a different way. College is definitely something that isn't easy, but it is definitely worth it given how much that can be taken away from it.
I can't imagine what it's like to be that far away from everything I know. I used to never want to go to SDSU cause I've lived in San Diego my whole life and wanted to get out. Now, being so close to home has been so nice. I still have to make sacrifices in order to keep both my academic and family worlds in balance but I'm sure they aren nearly as difficult as to what you have to give up to attend this school.
ReplyDelete- Nick Thompson
I enjoyed reading about your personal experience at SDSU. Although college life can be challenging, I agree that it is definitely an experience worth the sacrifice. Although I have had my own difficulties in adjusting to college, I cannot imagine how hard it must be to adapt to a new situation without a familiar setting to return home to.
ReplyDelete- Joseph Cashman
It must feel amazing to move out of your town and into somewhere far away. I live about 15 min away from sdsu and I wished I chose a far away school. It gives you a sense of freedom. I agree a lot that college is very difficult and I also am blessed to be at college at all even though I kind of had to after high school. Balancing school is a struggle we all must deal with but luckily we sort of got the hang of it.
ReplyDelete-Lisset Perales