If I am honest with myself, I had very few expectations for college.

I always thought that

I would attend an Ivy League university on the East Coast or a small private college in
California. When my options were presented to me, and I chose to commit to the University of
Washington, I didnt plan ahead. Both my parents are alumni of the university, so in some way I
expected to feel a connection to them, but outside of their legacies I felt no emotion. To put my
attitude in one word I was apathetic; college would come, I would move, and I could care less
what was going to happen after.
Formal sorority recruitment affected my attitudes considerably. I made such an
incredible network of new friends. I was optimistic and excited, however not quite in the
mindset to work hard academically. I was focused on networking and my social life, almost
forgetting that I had once defined myself in the way I excelled in school. Before recruitment I
thought that school would be considerably easy, that I was over-prepared for college by my
International Baccalaureate education. That mindset took a complete turn, as the new expanse of
social opportunities caused me to set my sights low. I fell prey to the idea that no one does as
well in college as they did in high school, and while that may be true, it doesnt mean that I
shouldnt set my goals that high.
In this complex and confusing state, I started my first quarter as a college student and
evolving individual. In a convoluted way I both expected classes to be easier and for myself to
do poorer than what I actually achieved. Looking back I am surprised by the lack of intimidation
I experienced in my first 500 student lecture, and, on a completely different note, the weak effort
I put into my first three weeks of school. It was almost as if I no longer understood the role of
student. Needless to say reality hit me hard during my first set of midterms, especially in
Chemistry, as both it and Psychology fell on the same day, not to mention during initiation week
for my sorority. It was among the most stressful moments of my life, however the product also
reaffirmed my confidence in myself as a student. When I excelled in both classes, I realized that
my mindset needed significant adjustment in two major ways. Firstly, I am an intelligent human
being, but not significantly more than my peers, and secondly I prepared myself for college well.
I should be self assured, but also give my full effort.
Honors was an enigma all of its own. To be honest in the most brutal way, I assumed that
the group of peers it would create for me would be strange and socially awkward and that the
classes would be intense and challenge me in the same way a class in high school would.
Honors 100 proved these preconceived biases I possessed of my peers to be completely false.
The people were quirky, but then again we are all unique, including myself. My prejudice
against the people I would be working heavily with for the next four years was completely
unwarranted, and the reality is that they are an amazing resource in the realm of academia and as
friends.
My other, 5-credit class, Honors 240, was completely opposite my expectations for an
honors class. The information wasnt more strenuous than my regular class, just more
interesting. The subject matter, latinos in US popular music, was more focused on cultural
emersion than strenuous studying. I have had the ability to interact with Seattle locals and
immigrants on a completely new level, forming cultural bridges that have given me insight into
my role as a global citizen. My professor exceeded my expectations as well, being a source of
comfort and light during a treacherous transition. I never thought I would be surprised that a
professor knew my name, let alone so ecstatic about it. The small class size was amazing as
well, especially when juxtaposed against the large lecturer halls of my chemistry and psychology

classes. We became and still are a little family within the enormity of the University of
Washington.
I am excited to learn more. The schedule of honors classes this quarter exceeded my
expectations again, introducing topics that propel me to new horizons of thought. I love that the
classes are so specific and value the depth of learning, not the breadth.
As far as a path pertaining to my major, I am just as lost as when I came in. I have
narrowed it down to the gamut of majors that do not require chemistry as a prerequisite, due to
my deep dislike of not only the material, but the style of material presentation utilized by the
program. On the other hand, my psychology class engages me on an extremely high level, so
that is a definite major possibility. Also, on a complete tangent from my other pursuits, Law,
Societies, and Justice also intrigues me, and therefore I am registered for LSJ 200 next quarter.
Also I am experimenting in the field of business, due to the overall prestige of Fosters at UW. I
am so thankful for my experiences at UW this quarter as they have given me a greater sense of
direction.
I was pleasantly surprised by the opportunities UW has given me this last quarter. My
start was rocky and atypical of my usual school experience, however taught me that often our
failures give us the best direction. I am proud of my achievements, and am sprinting toward an
outstanding GPA for the fall quarter. My community is more welcoming and well-connected
than I ever expected, and my happiness is much greater than I would have ever hoped. I was
wrong on every level about the environment that the University of Washington would provide,
but I am deeply than grateful. I am enormously proud of who I am, what I have accomplished,
and the fact I am able to call myself a husky!