This is it. The end of an era. Who knew it would come this fast?
Graduating from college always seemed years away. I never thought I would be a 19-year-old college graduate, much less a 19-year-old graduate with a full ride to Texas State University’s master’s program.
Throughout my college career, I changed my major seven times: psychology, sociology, rehabilitation services, physics, English, exercise science and English, again. I was never certain about what I wanted to pursue, so I decided to try taking courses with the majors that interested me the most.
After trying out five majors, I truly believed that occupational therapy was my calling; I was dedicated, determined and focused. However, my grades said otherwise.
I ended the semester with two C’s. In my entire academic career, I had never received an average lower than a B. I was devastated. I studied for hours on end, but that was not enough.
Honestly, I wish I could tell you that I persisted and fought for a higher grade, but I didn’t. The motivation was gone, and I knew that occupational therapy was not for me.
It was not because of my grades or because I gave up. It was simply because, deep down, I knew I would be unhappy pursuing this career. I was never meant to be a therapist or anything in the health-care field, because it didn’t excite or inspire me.
I knew I had to change my major, but I did not know what to do anymore. It was not until I was at a party last year when I realized what I was passionate about: writing, reading and arguing.
Now, what perfectly fits that criteria? Rhetoric. Rhetoric is defined as the art of persuading and arguing through writing or speaking. But, that’s just my definition. There actually isn’t a fixed definition of rhetoric; rhetors are still attempting to define the term.
After switching my major to English, with a concentration in rhetoric, I felt a weight come off my shoulders. I finally knew what I was doing, and I was unstoppable. I finally felt content and passionate about what I was doing in college, and what I would continue doing for the rest of my life.
I ended my last three semesters of college with a 4.00 GPA in English, all while working two jobs and applying to graduate school.
Now, I’m two weeks away from graduation and I’m excited. I’m excited and nervous about what comes next, if I will succeed wherever I am going and if I am ready for the future.
However, I know I had the correct guidance. My mother never stopped encouraging and inspiring me to strive for more and to try my best. Without her, I doubt I would have the same motivation to complete my academic career.
Additionally, working at The Rider helped improve my grammar and writing skills, all while forming close friendships that I will continue to, hopefully, have for the rest of my life. To Maleny, Leslie, Bobby, Eric, Cristian, Jessica, Victor, Britney, Nubia, Jorge, Jesus, Eddie, Sergio, Ivan, Ramiro, Laia, Samantha, Klaudia, Aaliyah, Fernando, Mariana, Zugay, Jacqueline, Ana, Michell and Azenett: Thank you for accepting me into your world and for giving me the best work experience I have ever had.
Now, it is time for me to say goodbye and embark on the next journey that awaits me. Allons-y.
