Breaking Out Of Your Shell: Senior Reflection

College is the place for growth. I used to roll my eyes at that. Just another adult saying whatever sounded inspirational to get me to go to their school. Just another advertisement. I’ve never wanted to slap some sense into someone more than myself, four years ago. 

I was extremely shy and antisocial. I still am to a certain extent, but when I first started at Centenary, I was practically a different person. I was completely directionless in life at the time. I had wanted to become a therapist once, back when I was at Warren County Community College. At the time, I was dealing with a lot of negativity in my life and my mental health was admittedly not the best. Far from it.

I realized that I could not help people when I still needed to help myself. I was in such a bad place, that I didn’t even want to pursue my bachelor’s. I would truly like to credit my current success to my mother. My mom has been the one true constant in my life. I would not be the person I am today without her endless love, support, and patience. She pushed me to go to Centenary, pushed me to at least try. So I did. 

Looking back, I wish I had done more. After my first semester, I was able to get over my shyness, just a bit. But I never made any effort to talk to anyone, or attend any events, or connect with the community. I showed up, did my coursework, got good grades, and went home. I did my best to make up for that lost time these past two semesters.

I am so grateful for having taken a gap year after my second semester. It allowed me to grow as a person to make the most of my final two semesters. Most importantly, it afforded me the chance to join The Cyclone Chronicle and meet truly wonderful people. 

I finally had the chance to write like I wanted to. With the Chronicle, I was able to find an outlet for my creativity. I would also like to credit Professor Linda Presto, for putting up with my endless questions on creative writing, helping me decide on my career path for the future, and encouraging me to get my masters degree. 

Though my time at Centenary began reluctantly, now at the precipice of graduation, I find myself wishing for time to stretch on just a little longer. College is in fact the place for growth and change. But you can only grow if you allow yourself to.