It’s been about a month since I graduated college and it still feels surreal, it hasn’t quite hit me that I achieved one of the biggest accomplishments of my life thus far. It was unreal to me until I was literally walking up the stairs to the graduation stage and then it rang in my mind “You did it, it’s real” and I got instantly excited and nervous all in one and after that moment it went right back to the thoughts of “Wait did you really accomplish that? Is this really forreal?” and I’m still feeling that emotion four weeks later.
When you first go to college it’s the excitement of being done with high school, and being excited to see what’s to come at this place called college that everyone always talks about and you’ve only got the chance to see in movies or in films. You’re ready to take this new thing by storm, you’re ready to see what the hype is about and what you can accomplish and for me it was also what does this new city Chicago have to offer me.
I went to college in a new city by myself and at a school where I knew know one, but I was fearless and far from scared but more excited than anything, ready to see what big things I can accomplish and acquire under my belt all while looking stylish while doing so.
For me I wanted to experience everything there was to experience, especially being a first generation college student and being able to go to a school I fell in love with and a city that reminded me enough of New York learning something I’ve always been passionate about. During my freshmen year I got involved with organizations, met close friends that I’ll have forever, attending lots of parties and going to class. As I got deeper into my college career I hit the ground running with my business and creating my brand during my sophomore year, I was getting hands on experience and doing something that made my soul feel joyous. I made a name for myself as a wardrobe stylist, got to be on music video and photoshoot sets and so much more. As college went on it started to go by so fast especially freshman year and my junior year, next thing I knew I was approaching graduation soon.
During college I created some great memories and had many different trials and tribulations , from financial aid struggles, lack of guidance in the college student area from family members or friends, living situations, working multiple jobs and internships while going to school and trying to have a business and build a brand and always being tired (Many time working over 40 hours per week) . My college experience was no walk in the park by far but I am grateful for everything I went through and got the chance to experience and I would do it all over again without changing a thing. College isn’t just about what can be taught in a classroom but more about the life lessons that you learn while there that will follow and help you throughout the rest of your life.
I left college excited to see what’s in store for my future, happy for the things I learned, grateful for the things I got to do, proud of myself for the opportunities I sought out, and amazed at the fact that no matter what circumstances I encountered during those four years I was resilient enough to continue on. I am in shock that I’m done but happy to say that I am finished. I leave my college career and close this chapter of undergrad with a hunger for success bigger than I’ve always had, and an eagerness to start checking things off of my to-do list. Getting adjusted to living with parents is a struggle and trying to balance getting a job that pays me what I’m worth and trying to build on my portfolio as a wardrobe stylist and creative director is a lot, but I’m happy to say that I know I will get the job done, and whatever God sees fit for me will happen.