This article is part of our Legends Interview Program. An Alumni Association initiative to record the experiences of alumni and share with our community. This interview took place on April 10th, 2022. Schedule an interview or submit your own story to us by emailing us at info@foreveraneasttechtitan.com.
Hi Titans! This article is for any East Tech students who just received acceptance letters from several colleges or even figuring out whether or not to venture out to the unknown.
A little bit about me, I’m a first generation college graduate who chose to study Biology at University of Nevada, Reno. My whole family lives here in Vegas and so one of the toughest choices I made right before graduating was deciding to pursue my college education 300 miles away from everything I knew.
As a first generation student, I felt my parents expected me to stay in Vegas after high school.
Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For those who need to weigh a couple of things before deciding what to do next in your life, here are some top reasons to consider venturing out the unknown.
Becoming Independent
When you’re far away from your family, your friends, and even your community that you’ve lived in for a long time, you’re forced to find out where you “fit” in your new environment. It gives a different perspective of how people live and also challenges you to be uncomfortable and literally figure things out on your own.
Eventually this will help you in the long run to be independent, to be comfortable to travel to new cities, and even help you explore the outside world.
Become a well-rounded individual
From living in a desert to studying in a place full of snow, water, and tons of outdoor activities, it challenges you to experience new things. While I was living in Reno I learned how to paddle board, snowboard, and other things I usually would not experience due to the environmental limitations in Las Vegas.
After I got used to becoming independent, I learned some essential skills such as budgeting and became more open-minded to try new things.
College is meant to try new things
Going through your college years, you still have your “summer, winter, and spring” breaks. This is the time to try new things and join a bunch of different clubs and organizations on campus. It’s an opportunity to constantly meet new people and help build your social skills as well.
At the end of the day, it’s about unlocking your fullest potential while you don’t have to worry about joining the workforce. When you start working, you’re tied to so many financial commitments and waiting until you’ve gained “paid time off” to travel. Take the moment of your college years to enjoy what’s out there in the world. If you’re a first generation student, make the best experience wherever you are. Your journey into the new world is based on the choices you make at the end of the day.
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