Reflecting on 4 years at Islands

To say I was a wreck when I entered Channel Islands is an understatement.

As a freshman, I had no firm grasp on the extracurricular activities available on campus, my work ethic, the friends I surrounded myself with, the seemingly all-encompassing (yet trivial) world that was my love life, and myself. I did well in the classroom, but I didn’t attend club meetings consistently, manage my time wisely, nor take care of myself. I didn’t spend much time with my family and was constantly out of the house.

I was lost.

Several months into sophomore year, I experienced heartbreak. Severe anxiety and depression afflicted my life for many months.

Although it was a tumultuous time in my life, it was the year in which I evolved the most. I began pursuing more leadership roles. I tackled more AP and Honors courses. I found a therapist, whom I’ve been seeing for more than two years. I spent more time alone and discovered who I was and what my strengths and weaknesses are.

Now as a senior, I see that I’ve grown exponentially and reached heights I thought I’d never live to see. I’ve achieved my goal of being in the run for valedictorian for all four years of high school and even served as the Lieutenant Governor of Division 42 West Key Club, leading nearly 500 members and hosting meetings each month for an average of 100 members per meeting.

My current circle of friends consists of like-minded peers I’d met in elementary and middle school, as well as trustworthy individuals I met in Mock Trial, Key Club, and classes. They are a melting pot of my involvement in extra-curriculars and academics, and I love them to death, despite not meeting many of them until my junior or senior year.

If I were to summarize the last four years of my life, I would say “growth” – I grew as a student, public speaker, emerging college freshman, and young woman. I cannot wait to grow even more when I attend Cal Poly SLO in the fall as a journalism major.

Once a Raider, always a Raider!