kat L - college life

College life has been a drastic change for me. If I were to draw my life timeline, I would say there are little ups and downs throughout my life. However, the ups and downs significantly become spikes when I turn 19 years old and will continue to do so until I graduate. I had been living comfortably at home with my parents and siblings in Taiwan before college. When I first started actually living in the states to pursue my studies in college, I felt like I had been dropped from heaven to earth. In other words, I realized how dependent and narrow-minded I was. Not only am I now experiencing the vigorous curriculum at Santa Clara University, there are major cultural differences I have to adapt to. I have to also learn to be independent by doing everything, making decisions on my own and withstanding the consequences for the first time. Being independent for me also includes managing a household all by myself since my family only comes to the states during summer and winter breaks. However, I also met some good friends who helped me a lot along the way. All of these bits and pieces of challenges I’ve encountered eventually lead to a new lifestyle or habit, which naturally becomes easier as time goes on. However, the experience from these challenges are what significantly shaped me into who I am today, compared to three years ago. I conclude that if I want greater independence, I have to work harder, be more responsible and understand loneliness.