My Once in a Lifetime College Journey
“Studying
in another country” sounded like an impossible mission when I first graduated
from high school. At first, I did not have any expectations or imaginations of
where this journey would lead me. It has been three years since I first arrived
in the United States. Now that I’ve found a
sense of belonging, I have moved on to seek achievements and improvements.
I feel accomplished when I challenge my abilities, but sometimes I wonder if
that is what I really want to get from this once in a lifetime journey.
I
can still remember what my parents told me on my freshman move-in day at UCSB,
“All you have to do is to have a wonderful time at UCSB and enjoy your four
years in this beautiful city”. At first, I did what they told me to do. I
attended various kinds of events and tried to get involved on campus; however,
this did not last long. I soon started to worry about my grades and my future
after graduation. I was concerned about not being able to find an internship in
summer and not being able to get a job after college. Just like all other
Economics and Accounting students, I spent the Winter quarter of my Sophomore
year interviewing with Big Four accounting firms and Mid-Tier firms, hoping to
get the opportunity to participate in their Summer Leadership Programs, which
offer internship opportunities in the following summer. As an international
student, I did not have any experience talking to professionals and preparing
myself as a candidate that is ready to enter the workplace. The week before my
interviews, I was depressed and worried because I considered myself as inferior
and less competitive compared to other domestic students. I could not think of
anything that I was proud of and any achievements that could impress the firms;
however, things did not go as I had imagined. I still remember the first
question a campus recruiter asked me during my first round interview. She asked
me “How could you handle leaving home for so long and starting a brand new life
independently in the U.S?” At that moment, I was too scared and speechless, so
I did not give her the answer that was actually on my mind. Even though I did
not end up getting the offer, how I define my identity as an international
student has changed completely. I no longer consider myself different from
others. I have stopped myself from the competition of comparing with others and
living under the peer pressure of seeking achievements.
Not
far from now, I will be stepping into my last year at UCSB. Thinking of what I
really hope to get from my journey in the United States, instead of getting a
summer internship or post-graduation job offer, I would say that I want to
create friendships that last for the rest of my life and memories that can
leave permanently in my heart.
(left-right) Director of Marketing, External
Vice President, Director of Communication, Internal Vice President, Director of
Recruitment, Director of Finance, President
Picture 2: UCSB UAS Meet the Firms on January 25th, 2019
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