You’re supposed to grow in college and figure out who you are and life and all that jazz. But I never expected the growth I would experience from March of 2020 to September 2021. I knew that college would be my time to grow and become a new person but I didn’t expect the changes I’ve seen. The pandemic, Black Lives Matter, the election, and all of the many major life points really put me into a reflective state. I learned a lot about myself during isolation and this summer because I had so much time to sit and reflect on life. My previously busy schedule usually never had time where I could truly think about myself or life. This past year enabled me to do that! With all of that reflection, I come into my Junior year eager to show off the new me and my new perspectives.
This semester I am on campus, a student leader, and working again. Taking in-person classes and working in-person was so exciting for me but time management was one thing I didn’t practice over the pandemic. At home, I just had to click a link to get to class. Now I have to account for travel time, which is much more difficult than I remember. Remembering to schedule in each part of my life is a new challenge but my new me feels prepared to do so. I have a new clarity on what my priorities are and how I would like to spend my time. I’ve realized that I can be very intentional with my time during what I would’ve normally considered “passing moments”. I can reflect while I’m traveling to work, make social calls on my way to classes, and devote evenings to schoolwork. Mornings are times for me and the day is dedicated to my students.
School is now a new ball game for me but my personal life is very different as well. I feel focused on the topics I’m passionate about and “pandemic projects” helped guide that. My identity as an afro-latina has been a project especially through its exterior expression through my hair! I’ve also found a love for environmentalism, immigration advocacy, and accessibility and inclusivity in all realms.
This new me is very busy and curious about many many things but I am excited for this new year and this new me.