As my sophomore year winds down, I think it is time I take a step back and reflect on all that I have accomplished in the past two years, and the dreams I hope to make a reality in my final years as a Loyola student.
Coming to Chicago fresh out of high school, I was amazed by the energy of the big city and “go getting” attitude of the locals. I aspired to share that energy and spent many nights wondering if I would ever would walk down the street without needing Google maps or attend a PR event and classify myself as an equal as oppose to the out-of-place student. I sat on the bottom bunk of my closet sized dorm room, hoping to one day understand the power of Twitter and social media; to post about my passions, not random thoughts or philosophical quotes to fill the 140 characters.
Two years later, I like to say I have come a long way and am very proud of what I have accomplished. My days are spent juggling 18 credits, two jobs and an internship, while still valuing my role as president of two Loyola organizations and a student SOC ambassador. Though anyone can stand around, bragging about their commitments, organizations and classes. Yes, on paper I do think I have accomplished a lot and have immersed myself in the Chicago culture, certainly classifying myself as a city local.
However what I value most since moving to the city are the friendships I have made and friendships I hold close back home. Nothing means more to me than having friends that inspire me to love everything that life throws my way, motivate me to dream big and remind me that there is no such thing as perfection. I treasure the wonderful people that never let me walk alone, and am truly grateful to those who believe I can bury any roadblock that crosses my path.
I would like to thank all of those who believe in the person I have become, being that constant reminder that no dream is too small. Thank you for throwing me in the world of PR, embracing my student status and gaining valuable networks that will land me that job down the road. Thank you for giving me the confidence to walk around the city of Chicago, hopping from bus to El, knowing that this is where I belong. And finally, thank you for embracing my quirky sense of humor, energy and genuine nature, knowing that I can accomplish great things without changing everything that I am.
