Walking On Clouds (Part Two)

November 30th, the "day of doom" for all UC applicants, is approaching quickly, so naturally, I cannot help but think back to the "me" of a year ago and compare that person with the person I have become.

I submitted my UC application on November 29th, and it's mind-blowing to think that 364 days have passed since that fateful day.

So much has changed, and I beam with joy to be able to say wholeheartedly and without the slightest bit of exaggeration that the changes have overwhelmingly been for the better.

College is, without a doubt, ten million times better than high school, so hang in there high school seniors - you're almost there!

While I liked my high school's unique environment, respected and admired most of the teachers, and enjoyed most of the classes I took, the "high school experience" itself was pretty hellish for me. For four years, I felt extremely unbalanced as a person, and the slightest bit of pressure or stress would send me on yet another emotional roller coaster ride, each more intense than the last, but all ending the same way - with me curled up in a corner somewhere crying my eyes out for one inarticulate reason or another. Eating disorders, manic cycles of depression, and crippling anxiety attacks all added up to a few very difficult teenage years. It wasn't my high school that I despised per se; I was just in the wrong environment at the wrong time and the combined pressures of the competitive academics and my own teenage-angst proved simply to be too much to handle.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

Looking back at all the mistakes that the high school "me" made and all the traps I inadvertently fell for has definitely made me a smarter and more self-aware person today.

"College," and the new start that came with it, was my light at the end of a very dark tunnel, and I am glad to say that the source of light has not disappointed.



(Can you guess who is singing that?)

Getting the opportunity to pursue subjects that I am truly passionate about is one of the reasons why I am so much happier in college. I love all of the classes I am taking this quarter, and all the extra effort I put into them shows; I have aced every assignment and every exam for every class so far. When you love what you're studying, studying is no longer a chore.

Advice #1: Don't major in "science" or "engineering" just because your parents say you should or simply because you are aiming for that high-paying job after graduation. Do it only if you are truly passionate about those subjects and have enough self-motivation to push yourself through the tough four (or most likely, more) years of schooling. Your prospects won't be good if you end up failing your introductory chemistry class and you are a pharmaceutical chemistry major.

Majoring in "science" doesn't guarantee you a high-salaried job and a wonderful life after college either; Did you know Ms. Keyak majored in biology when she was in college? That's right.

Advice #2: College should be a time of self-exploration, so be adventurous, take classes in subjects you may never have studied before, find something you like and are good at and stick with it!

I've never taken an art history class before, but I took a chance with the class this quarter, and it turned out to be my favorite class, by far. You'll never know unless you give it a try, and what time is better for trying things out than while in college?

Advice #3: Don't choose a college simply for its prestige. Seriously research the college choices you have and weigh the benefits and costs carefully before making your final decision.

Deciding to come to UCSD was a no-brainer for me. Chancellor's Scholarship? Priority Enrollment? Getting accepted into Muir College, located just five minutes from the beach? Sunny southern California weather? What was there to hesitate about?

While I realize that most people's decisions may not be as clear-cut and simple as mine was, it is still important not to judge universities solely on their prestige; the number of opportunities available and the campus environment are also two very significant factors that can make or break your college experience.

***

I am enjoying all of my classes, getting better grades, eating more healthily, sleeping more, and am just feeling more balanced in general since starting college. Of course, things haven't been perfect, but I wouldn't be too upset if where I am now is as good as it will ever get.

Things are going great, and hopefully they stay that way.