An Ode to My Time at UC Irvine
As the spring quarter comes to an end and finals are just around the corner, a bittersweet feeling settles among the graduating class of 2024. After rigorous classes, countless rides on the Anteater Express, and the occasional stop at Zot n Go for an energy drink, graduates are set to celebrate their big day at the Bren Events Center in less than two weeks.
I honestly can’t believe that graduation is so soon. The year has simply flown by, and for the last couple of weeks, I’ve been grappling with both excitement and sadness when I think about graduation. While I am excited to graduate and start a new chapter of my life, I can’t help but feel somber over the thought of leaving. I have learned so much over these last four years, both in terms of personal growth and academic success, and I’m confident that I will utilize everything I have learned going forward in life.
As an undergraduate, I have made many drastic changes in order to feel the most comfortable as a student at UC Irvine. The most notable change was changing my major in my freshman year, something that was incredibly daunting to me as I went through the process. If I could give my freshman self one piece of advice, it would be to trust the process and myself more. I remember feeling incredibly doubtful of both myself and my decision when I first changed my major, wondering if I was making the right choice and feeling unsure of the future. I hadn’t thought about how choosing a field of study I truly loved and enjoyed would make my college experience feel more fulfilling than ever, instead fixating on the uncertainty of what the future might bring rather than focusing on the present. Now, as an English major at UC Irvine, I can wholeheartedly say that not only have I made the right decision, but the best one for the skills I wished to develop during my time at UC Irvine. The stellar English department here has helped me in so many ways regarding academics, career planning, and general analytical skills, thereby setting me up for success post-graduation.
Another standout of my time at UC Irvine was being involved in campus organizations. I’ve made such great connections through being in clubs on campus, and I encourage anyone who wants to expand their social caliber to do so. The great thing about joining a campus organization is that you can connect with a plethora of people who are into similar things as you, whether it’s a hobby like crochet or something related to your major, such as a student-run journal like New Forum. In my experience, I knew that I wanted to be involved in more creative-based organizations, which led me to check out UCI Anthology Yearbook and Her Campus at UCI early on in my college career. These two amazing organizations helped me develop my creativity and professional skills, and I truly can’t imagine what my time here would have been like without them. If you’re looking to gain more leadership experience, campus organizations are a great place to start, with many clubs offering the opportunity to climb the ranks as board members after a certain amount of time. I highly recommend checking out any club that stands out to you during the Anteater Involvement Fair at the beginning of the fall quarter— you never know what you might find!
While it may be sad to reflect on these last four years, a new chapter awaits us graduates. My time at UC Irvine was incredibly memorable, and I know that I will cherish these last few years and all the experiences that came along with them for many more years to come. My parting advice is always to make sure that your well-being is prioritized above all else. It’s more than okay to take however many much-needed breaks you need and to listen to your mind and body as you navigate being a college student. After all, we are humans first and students second.
Once again, congratulations to my fellow graduates, and have an amazing summer, Anteaters!
