Graduation Day

In 10 days, I will be graduating from UC Davis with a major in history and a double minor in Professional Writing, and Latin America and Hemispheric Studies. It took 3 years of preschool, 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of middle school, 4 years of high school, 3 years at Cabrillo College, and 2 years at UC Davis to get where I am. Every step of the way I pushed myself to the edge and looking back, I am proud of everything I have accomplished. Of course, I am grateful and honored to have my parents who supported me every step, even when I wanted to drop out of high school and college on multiple occasions. Without them, I would definitely not have the gpa I have, nor would I have the sense of pride in myself.

After 20 years of going to some sort of school, it will be a drastic change to enter into the real world. Thank god I have an incredible job waiting for me in a beautiful community that has shown me so much love. I have to think of myself as the luckiest girl alive because not only do I have the best family and friends, but I have the best job anyone could ever ask for.

I think often about all of the steps it took to get me where I am. There were a lot of choices I made and some that were forced upon me that got me to this moment now, sitting in a beautiful home surrounded by love and friendship and a cat that loves me.

I didn’t think I wanted to participate in graduationl; I have literally never had an interest in ceremonies and what have you. I only decided after a conversation with my best friend last night. I need to close this chapter, and move forward.

My friends that I have made here have changed me and made me into a better person. I am so incredibly lucky to have these kind, intelligent, and beautiful people in my life who continue to support me everyday. Where would I be without our late night conversations, driving the old country roads, hikes in Berryessa, study sessions, movie nights, game nights, parties, concerts, and pep talks? These incredible people in my life are my rocks, my support systems, my levelers. I am incredibly grateful for every ounce of love they have shown me, through the rocks and the hard places, they have shown me the true meaning of love and friendship.

If there was one piece of advice I could give to anyone going to college or transferring to a bigger place it is this: go out of your comfort zone. Introduce yourself to people in your classes. Ask the guy for his number. Go to parties with your friends. Join clubs that strike your interest. Take the class that has nothing to do with your major. LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Every single friend I have from UC Davis is because I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and acted like myself. Surprisingly, people like me for me, and it took me 21 years to figure that out.

To all my friends and family reading this, thank you for everything you have given me. I only hope that I continue to make you proud. To anyone else casually reading this, thank you for taking the time to read the words that I have been writing and rewriting for months. I love you all.

I guess this is another thing I will tell my therapist.