Being a senior at the University at Albany, I would sum up my college career as a journey of personal growth. From beginning to the near end, I felt I was being challenged, molded and taught new things about myself.
Freshman year was the most difficult of them all. Moving away from home was extremely difficult. I had to become responsible for myself and keep my focus on the purpose of college. Additionally I had roommate issues. Freshman year I learned how to adapt. I didn’t have my family there to support and coddle me. I had to stand on my own two feet and make the best out of a bad situation.
Sophomore year, once I’ve adapted, I needed to remind myself of the importance of education. I started losing sight of my academic goals so I had to learn self discipline. I had to set aside time for homework and studying. I had to prioritize all my tasks. I had to set out short term goals and follow through.
Junior year it all became easier. I was used to Albany at this point, and I learned how to balance school and my social life. But now I had to think outside the box. Many students can go to school, complete 15 credits a semester and play it by the book. I wanted to get more out of it. I didn’t want to leave UAlbany as a cookie cutter student. I wanted to explore and make myself stand out. I did some research and got an internship all on my own.
By my senior year I thought I had it made. What else could I possibly learn? I took it upon myself to become a bit more independent. I’m about to be a college graduate and still depending heavily on both my parents. I know the value of a dollar, but what about ten dollars? This year besides my course load I took up additional employment and a bill to call my own. I wanted to slowly wean myself from my parents and become independent. UAlbany wasn’t just 120 credits or a great social life to me; it was my past, present and future. My college career helped me grow academically, intellectually and as a person.
My most memorable moment at the University at Albany was during training for Residential Life before junior year. Even though I adapted to Albany, I always compared it to New York City. I always felt that there was not enough to do and it was boring. I found myself many times longing for the busy streets I called home. Well to my surprise, one day of training was set aside for a tour of Albany. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I didn’t expect much. Contrary to how I felt, it was amazing. We took a trolley around the city of Albany and were shown many different places one can enjoy. We got to see the capital, the waterfront, the egg and many other places. In addition to the trolley, many different vendors got together and catered to us. We got to try different foods and even different salons came to preview their services. While Albany may still not compare to New York City, it certainly isn’t boring.
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