The Journey So Far
I've done a lot of self-reflecting lately, mostly because I've been trying to find myself but also because my time at USC is coming to an end. I've been thinking about who I was, who I am and who I want to be.
When I was younger I was super outgoing. My parents even got a few phone calls from teachers saying that I wouldn't stop talking and was a distraction to other students. I was also very adventurous and wanted to try anything and everything. My parents first put me in t-ball but I hated it and so began the search for something I would enjoy. After t-ball, I then went on to try ballet, was in gymnastics for a few years, went to swimming classes at the YMCA, tried out hip-hop then went into cheerleading for three years, and then took some piano lessons before I decided enough was enough. I took some years off because I was frustrated, frustrated that I couldn't find something I liked.
In high school, I decided to try something new again and learned how to play basketball. I didn't make it my freshman year so I joined a travel team and trained until I got better. I made the team the next year and JV the year after that. Once that season ended I realized that basketball wasn't for me. I enjoyed playing but I wasn't as good as the other players and I didn't have the passion they did. I decided to focus on my studies instead, I needed to get into a good college after all. I remember how horrible that time was when the letters started coming in, most of my friends had been getting into every college they applied to and had to choose where to go. I wasn't so lucky, I had only gotten one acceptance letter - from Cal State LA - and I was devastated. A few weeks later - on my birthday - I got an acceptance letter from Whitter College that came with a huge scholarship. I also got another letter from USC saying they could put me on a transfer plan. I was excited, I knew that I was going to do whatever I could to get into USC the next year.
I loved my time at Whitter College, two of my good friends also got in so I felt at home. I didn't get involved at Whittier though, I knew if I did I would get attached and never end up transferring. I took classes that would transfer and once it came time to apply to USC, I did. This time I got in. The transition was not easy, I was used to a small private college where everyone knew everyone. At USC I knew absolutely no one and I needed to do something to change that. My accounting Professor - Professor Sweeney - offered extra credit to anyone that joined her Accounting Society and I jumped at the chance to get extra credit. In AS, I met all of my good friends and was able to gain leadership experience. I never imagined becoming the president of the club but three years later I find myself in my second term as president. It was also in AS that I figured out I wasn't meant to be full-on business, I needed something a bit more creative. I had taken a class at the Art Center at Night and found that I had a passion for Advertising. I've since added a minor in Advertising and have taken other classes to gain design skills. I have my eyes set on officially joining the Art Center College of Design in the Fall.
I'm now 77 days from graduation and the next chapter of my life. I'm both excited and terrified. For the first time ever, I found something I really like and am passionate about. I know the road ahead of me is going to be steep and windy but I'm ready for it. Here's to closing this chapter off well and walking into the next one with my head held high.
When I was younger I was super outgoing. My parents even got a few phone calls from teachers saying that I wouldn't stop talking and was a distraction to other students. I was also very adventurous and wanted to try anything and everything. My parents first put me in t-ball but I hated it and so began the search for something I would enjoy. After t-ball, I then went on to try ballet, was in gymnastics for a few years, went to swimming classes at the YMCA, tried out hip-hop then went into cheerleading for three years, and then took some piano lessons before I decided enough was enough. I took some years off because I was frustrated, frustrated that I couldn't find something I liked.
In high school, I decided to try something new again and learned how to play basketball. I didn't make it my freshman year so I joined a travel team and trained until I got better. I made the team the next year and JV the year after that. Once that season ended I realized that basketball wasn't for me. I enjoyed playing but I wasn't as good as the other players and I didn't have the passion they did. I decided to focus on my studies instead, I needed to get into a good college after all. I remember how horrible that time was when the letters started coming in, most of my friends had been getting into every college they applied to and had to choose where to go. I wasn't so lucky, I had only gotten one acceptance letter - from Cal State LA - and I was devastated. A few weeks later - on my birthday - I got an acceptance letter from Whitter College that came with a huge scholarship. I also got another letter from USC saying they could put me on a transfer plan. I was excited, I knew that I was going to do whatever I could to get into USC the next year.
I loved my time at Whitter College, two of my good friends also got in so I felt at home. I didn't get involved at Whittier though, I knew if I did I would get attached and never end up transferring. I took classes that would transfer and once it came time to apply to USC, I did. This time I got in. The transition was not easy, I was used to a small private college where everyone knew everyone. At USC I knew absolutely no one and I needed to do something to change that. My accounting Professor - Professor Sweeney - offered extra credit to anyone that joined her Accounting Society and I jumped at the chance to get extra credit. In AS, I met all of my good friends and was able to gain leadership experience. I never imagined becoming the president of the club but three years later I find myself in my second term as president. It was also in AS that I figured out I wasn't meant to be full-on business, I needed something a bit more creative. I had taken a class at the Art Center at Night and found that I had a passion for Advertising. I've since added a minor in Advertising and have taken other classes to gain design skills. I have my eyes set on officially joining the Art Center College of Design in the Fall.
I'm now 77 days from graduation and the next chapter of my life. I'm both excited and terrified. For the first time ever, I found something I really like and am passionate about. I know the road ahead of me is going to be steep and windy but I'm ready for it. Here's to closing this chapter off well and walking into the next one with my head held high.
I enjoyed reading your post. I, too, have been spending the last few months trying to figure out who I am and where I want to go in life. Additionally, I am also a transfer student and found it really difficult to get acclimated with everything on campus.
ReplyDeleteHi Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI have been in your position before with transitioning into USC. I am a transfer student as well. It was a challenge at first, but I eventually eased into it. My first semester at USC was a huge learning experience that allowed me to explore different opportunities like you. Thinking about the future is sometimes scary, but its all about growing and building your self identity and passion.
I enjoyed getting to know your journey so far. I's great to hear that you've found a passion for Advertising. I'm still searching for my ultimate passion in life but I'll see what the coming 3 years will take me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post Kim! I love how you haven't given up on your dreams so far. I think it is really cool that you got to make friends and experiences at two different colleges. Everything really happens for a reason, and after reading your post I think this is even more true!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post and I can relate on so many levels having also initially gone to a smaller school with hopes of transferring to USC. Very crazy to see that there are less than 77 days until graduation, it's going to be a very bitter sweet day for me.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed getting to learn a little more about your journey. I can definitely relate, being a transfer student myself and graduating in less then three month. I'm happy you've found something you are passionate about. Keep following your dreams!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim! Your post is very nice and I really appreciated it. Speaking about yourself is hard for everyone of us and being honest in doing is even harder. I think you achieved both of these. I spent a lot of time self-reflecting too, but I don't think I would be able to put my thoughts on paper as well as you did.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post! As a transfer student myself, I empathize with the struggle of really finding your place in the USC community and identifying your interests, so I'm really glad that you were able to do so! I've heard great things about Professor Sweeney; one of my biggest regrets at USC is not being able to take any classes offered by her.
ReplyDelete