Move-in Day Weekend. We are moving into our dorm buildings, ready to embark on a new adventure. During freshman orientation, we make so many new friends that we forget people’s names in 30 seconds. Oops. Whatever. Anyway, you learn where this building is and how to get inside War Memorial Gymnasium for freshman orientation. We adjust to living with a roommate or two. We have to buy our textbooks now? What the f*ck. Let’s be real, how do I even college?
We are essentially entering adulthood.
In the midst of all this chaos, I continued to go to the freshman orientation events and tried to decide what I truly wanted to major in. One of the student representatives from Los Locos, the spirit organization, speaks at orientation and my interests are sparked. Sitting on the floor, I thought about how much I liked what they were saying about the organization and school, so I decided to become more involved with Los Locos.
And just like that, I began my involvement with this organization.
I volunteered at Los Locos tailgates, made posters and went to games, ready to scream my lungs out. Not only did I find myself enjoying what the club’s purpose was, but I learned about myself in ways I never would have if I did not follow the spark that the President of Los Locos ignited. I took a chance on this club and now I am the Event Coordinator of Los Locos and have been a part of the executive board for more than a year now.
Without Los Locos, I would not have found the proper guidance I needed as a first generation student. Thanks to the previous Event Coordinator -- this person provided guidance when I was changing my major. With this person’s help, I declared Communication Studies. By taking a chance on Los Locos, I figured out what I wanted to major in and I was given the guidance I needed to continue achieving my goals and fulfilling my responsibilities that I can call accomplishments. Being involved, I learned about the school, made connections and gained professional experience that I may not have received if it was not for Los Locos.
Los Locos provided another place on campus to call home. The previous executive board provided me with an outlet to seek support when I needed it. This club helped shape who I am today.
I am telling you this story because I want you to take a chance and dive into the unexpected. You never know what you may find. Pursue your passions and interests by doing what you want. College is a time for new experiences and for you to make choices that will benefit you. So go for it. Take the initiative. You do not have to wait for anyone. Don’t stop yourself from following your interests and experiencing new stories to be told.
If you are going to be here for four years, make the most out of it by trying new things. College is a fresh experience and a second chance to take ownership over your educational path and doing whatever the hell you want. You are capable of doing whatever you want. Follow that spark or interest to wherever it goes. Who knows? You may learn things about yourself that you never knew were there.
As my high school teacher said, “In the end, it has always been the unplanned things that bring the most beauty to my life, so how could I possibly regret the decisions I’ve made? The unexpected hiccups and the bumps, how can I regret the very things that have brought me here?”
