Closer to the Finish Line...to my undergraduate career

I have completely forgot about my blog but I am inspired to write more. I hope to attract an audience to motivate and inspire others because life is full of unexpected moments. Those unexpected moments will make indivuals feel caught in the moment and forget that life has positive aspects to offer despite obstacles encountered.

My journey in college has started out with a plan but my plan was lacking in research. I started out being a science major but my academics displayed a caution message. My grades shocked me because I graduated from high school with a 4.0 as the valedictorian. I continued to try my best and take science courses but that was another caution message which was being on academic probation. I had minimal academic support because my parents did not go to college.

I was lucky to be added to the Educational Opportunity Program  (EOP) which I applied to but I was "wait listed." After being added I was able to have access to an academic counselor to guide me and help me find the correct major (Sociology). My counselor was amazing and she has guided me to be successful during my college career.

College has been a great opportunity to grow from being fresh out of high school at eighteen years old to graduate with my Bachelor's degree at twenty-three years old. I would like to let young people know, pursuing college can take longer than others to graduate but never become discouraged from finishing college. My years in college was a memorable picture that many people start together in the same year but many do not finish together. There are others who completely disappear and drop out. Stay motivated.

As I wrap I am confident many can graduate from college like me regardless if your parents attended college or not. It is significant to seek resources available to help to make your college career a success. Spring 2016, I am proud to say I am the first in my family to graduate from college my current GPA is a 3.0. You are capable!

Upcoming blog topics: Study Abroad in Brazil, Life After Graduation, Life Learned Lessons, and many other topics.

Money Saving

I have been very good at saving my money since I was younger. Starting out I had a Mudd brand wallet and I still have it until this day; it is purple and I got it from Mervyns. Since elementary school I was able to put a little money up at a time that I received from my birthdays and Christmas. As I got older I am currently 21 I was able to figure it out. Depending on how much expenses you have it is best to put a little away at a time. My first job was in retail and I only worked weekends, when I receive my paycheck I would put twenty dollars away for every check. Sometimes I forgot about the money and I kept adding up. The key is consistency to put the same amount up every time and do not touch the money only unless it is an emergency. Some of us can't seem to forget the fact that we are saving money so I can offer multiple alternatives. 
One: open a new bank account and transfer the money whenever you get some cash. Leave the card at home in a safe place. 
Two: Hide your debit card in a place that you will forget about but will find later. 

Three: If you have someone who you trust 110% let them hold your money until you may need some of it. I want to emphasize on the 110% because you  DO NOT want to end up in a situation where somebody took your money and went shopping. 

Home Away From Home

College was always an option because I was one to hold myself to higher standards. Despite coming from a financially challenged background was not going to stop me in any way. Yes I get it college isn't for everyone but I had no other choice. Born and raised in Los Angeles has been an eye opener but my eyes were more amazed when I began my first year in college. The diversity in the bay area where I attend school currently was very distinct although I was only a six hour drive from home. It was as if I was in a different state although I was not. Los Angeles has always been my home; I have always been used to the fast paced city and trends being common in the city of Los Angeles. 

The bay area is definitely colder than Los Angeles and I still have trouble adjusting. However everyone dress very differently. I had to gt used to this environment because it is where I decided to stay and complete my college career as an undergraduate. 

Just to provide some background I was not the child who was always home. I began to fulfill my hobby to travel in the seventh grade in middle school. I love my family dearly but traveling is what i truly love to do. Attending college away from home gave me some extra independence that I already had. My experience has been great and knowing I can always go back to my family is the greatest feeling. I call it going away from home but still being close at the same time. The bay area is my home away from home because the relationships I have built gives me comfort and blocks out the idea of being homesick.