Today

Five years ago today, I had just finished my first year of higher education. As a first-generation college attendee, I felt quite intimidated. Unlike some, I didn’t really understand what college was didn’t have anyone I knew who I could reach out to and ask questions.

As a freshman in college, you have so many questions you’re trying to figure out. This is the first time you are out in the world alone, determining who you want to be in this big ole place we call life. It was one of the best, yet one of the worst years of my life for so many reasons.

Four years ago today, I had just finished my second year of higher education. I couldn’t believe it, I was really going to be a junior in college. And I hadn’t failed any of my classes even though my lifestyle at the time could have changed that.

No one tells you what is in store for you from the ages of 19-20. Adults treat you odd because they aren’t sure if you’re old enough to have a mature conversation with, yet we could decide whether or not to smoke tobacco or sign up for the army.

Three years ago today, I had just finished my third year of higher education with one of my best grade point averages yet, a 3.1. I was living with my mother in Grand Island and was commuting M-F to Kearney for class and work.

Not only was school going well, I met a man who I pushed to get back into school and who continues to push me every day to be a happier, more grateful person. We jumped the boat and moved to Kearney to continue our education. I turned 21 and was officially an adult.

Four years ago today, I had just finished my fourth year of higher education. I had switched my major bumping my previous one to a minor and moved to a different department at UNK. I had new professors, new classmates and a new environment. There was only room for failure or success.

I put myself down for not graduating within four years like some of my other classmates. But, I gave myself credit since adding another minor. Now I would have a major in Advertising and Public Relations with minors in visual communication and design and multimedia.

Today, I am a first-generation college graduate at a top ten university, the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I finished my last semester with a standing grade point average of 3.8 granting me a spot on the dean’s list. It was hard work, not only mentally but physically.

I’ve learned more in the past five years than I have my entire life. And none of it would have been possible if it weren’t for the support from my mother, brother, family, boyfriend, his family, my boss, coworkers, professors, classmates, my cat and most importantly MYSELF.