My First Year At WVC: A Mix Of Emotions

A journey of highs, lows, and everything in-between

This year has been an unforgettable journey.

I've pushed myself harder than ever to start the path to achieve my dreams. Even in hardship, pain, and grief, I found the way to the end of the year. I'm not the same person I was at the beginning of the year; in fact, I'm so far from it that I think I'm becoming a totally different person in general.

How This Year Has Changed Me

WVC was my dream school. Yes, I know, it's a small dream. But the dream was mine, and I reached that goal. I thought this year would be easy for me. Already having a job in radio, I thought I would excel in my studies. I quickly learned that wouldn't be the case.

About halfway through my first semester, I was faced with a challenge. My families' health. My mom, who is currently on her third battle against cancer, and my dad, who is chronically ill from a long battle of infections and sickness from his unmanageable diabetes, both started to plummet in their health.

I, being the only caretaker for both of them, had to make a decision of prioritizing my family or school. Obviously, I chose my family.

The Lows

Over time, I started to run out of steam. I mean, I don't think any normal human could keep going without taking a breath. On winter break, what was supposed to be a peaceful break to rest, I spent my time in a hospital. My father got sick. He was so sick that doctors informed me that it was at the point of making end-of-life decisions.

The pressure of those moments sent me over the edge. I was suddenly an anxiety-riddled, depression-wrapped mess who was slowly falling into a rabbit hole of my own making. Looking at my missing work, grades, and thinking about my own failures only made me feel worse.

The constant need from everyone around me suffocated me.

The In-Between

At times, I felt so close to just giving up. Everything felt impossible, even taking care of myself. I was exhausted to my limit.

Luckily, my father pulled through. It meant a lengthy path of recovery, but he was going to be okay. That took a weight off my shoulders.

I still felt the pressure, the inability to conquer my first year. But just when I was about to throw in the towel, a voice in my head told me to keep going.

The Highs

I can confidently say that I would've never made it here if it were not for the amazing people I met this year. At times when I felt nothing would get better, they made me better.

Coming to a college where everyone pretty much knew eachother already from high school was scary. I was scared I'd be alone, but I quickly found people in my classes that I'm sure will stick around with me for the rest of my life.

Along with that, I also had amazing instructors. Ones that will leave a permanent mark on me for life. They taught me that it was okay to struggle as long as I don't let the struggle keep me down and showed me how to push through even when things feel impossible. At times, they believed in me more than I believed in myself, and I couldn't be more grateful for their support.

To Evan, Daria, Hannah, Kyle, and Ms. Winter. Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you.

I'll see you next year.