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Opinion: If you're having doubts, this is your sign to keep pushing

As the first person in my immediate family to attend a university, one of the most important quotes I ever read came from a random person on Twitter. The tweet said, “First-generation college students: There will come a time when you feel that you do not belong. Rest assured, you do.”

In the almost three years since I have started college, there have been plenty of times when I felt that sense of not belonging. I felt it when seeing students with their alumni parents, when I had difficulties navigating regular college challenges like choosing a degree, and when I had to figure out how to move out of on-campus housing.

It is hard to have to figure out the college system on your own. There are so many aspects of enrollment and financial issues that staff may tell you to “ask your parents” about, and it is difficult when you know that your parents will not know; they have never done this before.

And so, at times I have felt that I do not belong. There were countless times during my first semester when I thought of how much easier it would be to return to the comfort of my family, the city I was from, and most of all, the safety I felt in what I already knew.

Almost three years later, I look back on my younger self and thank my lucky stars that I did not give in to that desire. Last month, I received notification that I have obtained my associate degree.

This was not something I had even noticed, as I am working toward a bachelor's degree and have been solely focused on the requirements remaining for that accomplishment. Since an associate degree is not my end goal, I completely overlooked this milestone.

However, receiving that email was a defining moment for me that I did not know I needed. While it is not my degree of choice, I now have a degree. For most of my life, I did not think that this would ever happen. Obtaining that degree validated for me the fact that I do, indeed, belong.

It is a scary feeling entering college with no idea of what to expect. I had no one to tell me how hard the classes would be, whether or not I should talk to my professors, or even the little things like whether I needed to ask permission to go to the bathroom like in high school. (Pro tip: you do not.)

That scary feeling can seem like too much at times. Many of the friends I made in high school were in a similar situation as me, and for some of them, that feeling was too much. Those of us who were able to move past it can tell you how amazing it feels to accomplish more than you thought possible.

And so, I challenge those of you who are feeling like an outcast to hold out hope. Continue to strive for your goals, because while you may feel that you do not belong now, you absolutely do. You are where you were meant to be, and you will reach the goals that you have been fighting toward.

So far, I have never experienced anything quite like the sense of accomplishment that I feel now. It is an amazing feeling to know that you have overcome the odds, tried something completely new and foreign, and that you are doing it right and succeeding in amazing ways.

Winter break of my freshman year was the time when many of my peers made the decision not to return to school. As winter break approaches, for those looking for a sign regarding whether or not you should continue, this is your sign. Continue. Keep pushing.

I am so grateful that I ignored my doubtful thoughts. I am so glad that I did not believe myself when I said: “College is not for everyone, maybe this just isn't for me.” While it is true that college is not for everyone, why should there be any reason that college is not for you? If you have come this far, you have already taken more steps than some people ever will.

As motivation starts to die down with the end of the year, find your motivation to keep going. Shoot for your highest goal, and before you know it, you will reach many goals that you did not even realize you had.

Briana Beaudoin is a sophomore at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. Contact her at:

[email protected]

 
 
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