HaU BLOG Posts
Last week a friend and I were texting and he asked me,“how do you feel about your LAST fall quarter?” Even though I’m a Senior I never took the time to reflect that this would be my last Fall quarter for undergrad, especially since it feels different over Zoom. Now that I’m back home my parents randomly remind me how much I used to visit home every weekend and came home crying because my STEM classes felt too difficult to handle. The imposter syndrome hit hard even though I wasn’t aware of that term yet. For the longest time I didn’t even admit to people my major or that I was pre-med in case I ever changed my mind. For one, I was tired of people telling me that I should pick an easier major that didn’t require having to apply for it. And second, I don't know if y'all heard but pre-meds at UCLA can be competitive. But even with all this self-doubt a part of me didn’t want to give up. I refused to miss class or a PLF session, and I always asked (possibly annoyed) my older peers from STEM classes for any advice/insight they could give me. I kept remembering who I was doing this all for: my family, my community, and myself. It was a challenge but what really helped me find my confidence was joining Hermanas Unidas. It was during Fall retreat that I saw I wasn’t the only one struggling. Also finding this community full of empowering womxn allowed me to come to the realization that I truly do belong at this university.
Overall my transition to college was a tough adjustment but the tough times don’t last forever. Once we overcome a challenge and make a breakthrough, we come out more knowledgeable and stronger than before. So as difficult as the journey may be, the process of striving towards your goals can be really beautiful. As I reflect I love seeing how much I’ve grown and how much more I still want to accomplish. I never imagined that by my senior year I would have: been accepted into the Human Bio & Society major, studied abroad in a physics program, added a minor, joined Steering, and (in the process of) publishing a research study in an academic journal and becoming a published author!! To conclude, my reflection this quarter has been nice because I feel proud of who I have become <3 -Val Fall 2020 was definitely an experience. We were online and I was only able to see a handful of my Hermanas :( but it’s okay as long as y’all stay safe <3. This quarter was definitely a hard adjustment and I went through some really hard moments that will forever stay with me but I never felt alone. I knew I always had someone to turn to and for that I am grateful. I am thankful that I am healthy and that my family is too. I want y’all to remember that the tough times don’t last forever and happy moments will always follow. If y’all ever need a friend or someone to vent to, I’m here. Las quiero <3
Also this is a small mood board of me throughout the quarter and they were moments I felt happy. 🤍 |
AuthorThe following posts will be from your fellow Hermanas. Archives
March 2024
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