My McNair Journey: The Beginning

October.10.2021

When I was growing up, the idea of a college education seemed distant. I was unsure of what I needed to be successful in college. No one in my family had ever decided to embark on an adventure such as this one.

I had a school picked out and career direction planned out for myself. I was going to move across the state and have the traditional 4-year college experience. Yet, I found myself wondering if it was the right decision for myself. I was scared to leave my family and my friends, and I decided to put more thought and research into my education.

The first thing I needed to do was to begin asking questions.

I began asking questions of myself, what I wanted to do, what my comfort level was, and truly what direction I wanted to take my life. It was a time of exploration and growth. I was still somewhat unsure, but I made the best decision I could with the resources I had. I enrolled in college at a 2-year university close to home, and began my journey.

I was still directionless and unsure of how to truly be successful in college.

I was undeclared and had just recently made a life altering decision. I knew I needed comfort and support. I needed a smaller environment where I could truly begin to find a purpose and sense of direction. I decided to run for Student Government. My orientation guide was a student at the university and the Student Body President. I remember thinking, "I wish that was me". I saw someone with a sense of purpose and direction, and I wanted that too.

I began by making a few friends in my English 101 class and we all decided to run for Student Government as a team. It was an election, and outside of one thing in High School, I had never won anything. I was sure I wouldn't get on, but I was wrong. It was the best impulsive decision I had ever made, because this decision led me to where I am today. A decision to get involved completely changed my educational career.

I did not believe in myself, I was still scared and unsure, but I wanted to make it and I still do.

I decided to continue on my personal path, giving myself grace with each step.

A semester into my first-year, I was nominated for the position of Vice President. After careful consideration and love for the organization, I decided to accept the nomination. From there I learned the functionings of SGA, attended university wide meetings and increased my appreciation for collegiate level education.

My second-year was an incredible one, full of good and some not so good times. I ran for Student Body President where I was elected and had a summer to prepare. I was encouraged by the people around me, I was supported and had the resources I needed to lead a student body. Throughout our time as a group, we accomplished so many things. We created events and celebrated together. We didn't know it at the time, but time was fleeting.

No matter what, appreciate the time you have, because life as you know it is not guaranteed.

The COVID-19 pandemic came and we were no longer together. We had virtual events for students, created motivational social media posts and attempted to make something of the time we had left. It was bittersweet and I loved every minute of being a part of that organization. I graduated in 2020, gave my graduation speech to a camera, and received my diploma in the mail. It was sad, to have something so wonderful, end without a goodbye.

My advice is to make the most of your time and never expect things to go as planned. While we had bigger plans and other things in mind, we made the most of it. Before the pandemic, we were able to have one large event, our halloween bash. We danced and sang in our costumes. During the pandemic, we bonded through our mutual isolation and disdain for our current situations. We tried to make our situation as enjoyable as possible, and this is advice that I will carry for a lifetime. It wasn't what we planned, but we still had fun doing it.

Finally, it was time to transfer and I had to remember a lot of advice to stay afloat. Just keep breathing.

I had initially decided on Behavior Analysis as a major, but after careful consideration and experiences that were less than fulfilling, I decided I needed a change.

I landed on Organizational Communication as a major. This was not an easy decision, but when I went through my life in my mind and replayed the experiences that have shaped me, and they all led me to higher education. Working with students, providing resources, and being a part of a college community is where I am the most myself. It is where I can truly see myself being happy and making a difference.

Finding myself has not been easy, but I realized without forcing it, I ultimately found my path.

When I made the decision to attend the two-year university, I provided the space for myself to figure out what I truly wanted from myself. I pushed myself to do something I wasn't sure I could do, and it led me to higher education and providing support to students like myself.

Life is a personal journey, but don't forget to make connections along the way.

The most important piece of advice that I have is to be interested and involved and life will come to you. Always listen to yourself and make collegiate decisions based on what you need and what you want from your education. If you don't, you'll live your life wishing you would have done something different.

Today, I am a fourth-year student, working towards my bachelors degree. I have had many opportunities presented that I could have never seen being a part of my experience. The McNair program, for example, is one of those unknown journeys I have found myself on. I'm going to graduate school and I have the support and resources to do so. I've found myself exactly where I am supposed to be, and I hope you do too.