I began my college endeavor at Pasco-Hernando State College—a small community college that was close to home. I was unaware of what career path to follow and believed that exploring a wide range of classes would help me narrow down my interests and set some kind of goals for my future. Little did I know that by doing this, I was only hindering the decision process. I discovered firsthand one the drawbacks to these two-year institutions; their lack of emphasis on choosing a major made it almost impossible for me to decide. By my third semester, I thought following my interest in history was the answer. But something in the back of my mind was pestering me to keep searching. After countless days of internet research and comparing my interests with my useful skills, I chose to become a marketing major.

Not too long after, I began the transfer process to USF—and for the first time, I truly began to understand the importance of focusing my studies. “Why am I here?” “What is the purpose for doing this?” These were just a few of the questions constantly floating around my head. To say I’ve fully answered these questions would be a lie, but I am gaining a better understand of what I want to get out of my time here at USF: practical life skills, skills for my future in the business world, community involvement, and develop my social skills. Yes, it is challenging, and yes, it is expensive, but for those who seriously wish to pursue and achieve a higher learning, these issues are almost obsolete. For myself, and many other students, achieving a degree and setting goals for future employment is worth the effort. I believe that earning a business degree will give me the opportunity to benefit myself, my family, and those in my community.

One of the big things that attracted me to USF was the campus lifestyle. Activities outside of the classroom are just as important as the classes themselves; participating in campus activities can have a beneficial impact on the development of personal connections, as well as community involvement. Clubs, organizations, and sports teams are just a few ways for students, including myself, to meet new people, discover new ideas and cultures, or help you gain social (or professional) experience that will be prosperous in the future. In the few weeks of my first semester, I had made multiple social and professional connections through the American Marketing Association, while simultaneously enhancing my knowledge and experience in the field through major-specific workshops, networking, and community involvement opportunities.

To further enhance myself and society, I, someday, plan to continue my education to the graduate level. Achieving a master’s degree would be of great pride to myself, and my family. Currently, my father is the only person in my family to attempt and earn a master’s degree. This has inspired my interest to challenge myself to a higher, more advanced level of knowledge; I hope to, one day, be able to inspire others around me in the same way. Now is also the time to explore post-college opportunities: learning about different work environments and meeting potential employers are just a few examples of how I plan to gain an advantage for my life after graduation. I’m hoping to gain a better understand of life in the United States and its relation with the global community. A career in marketing can lead to different international job endeavors–and, if possible, I would love the opportunity to explore. An institute such as USF is an internationally recognized university and attracts students from all around the world. This kind of institutions is a great place to learn and experience other cultures not familiar to me. The knowledge and experience I gain in college will greatly influence my life post college.

College may just be the “next step” to follow in life for most, but for me, this is my time to learn, grow, and unlock my potential. Though like many others, I have had my struggles getting a handle on life at a higher level of education, I am grateful for the chance to study here. I am here to learn skills and gain experience I can use to shape my future and enhance the community around me.