Managing Transitions
My college experience has
been an ongoing discovery
of who I am and what I can
become. Each year has presented itself
with different obstacles and learning
College Beat
expe
experiences that taught me independence,
management, and communication as well as
resourcefulness. As a first-generation Latina
student, my college experience has been
colored by a unique perspective that comes
with its own challenges. Not having a
background where my parents can provide me
with the resources, financial help, or even
advice is difficult. Knowing that I lacked these
resources, I sought them out for myself
because I knew they would be instrumental in
bettering my future.
Attending college has always been a
dream of mine because it would not only
provide me with an education but would be a
real growing period in my life.
Going into college, I was anxious for my
first year at the University of California,
Merced. I was worried that I wouldn’t find my
place or be academically prepared. Mostly, I
was afraid that I wasn’t ready to be on my own
and away from my family. Transitioning from
being dependent on my parent’s support to
becoming an adult was an adjustment
much more difficult than I had envisioned.
Eventually, that sinking sadness I felt when my
parents dropped me off, gave me a tight hug,
and drove off- faded away. That’s when I
started to learn independence.
I was fortunate that UC Merced had a very
welcoming environment. UCM had plenty of
resources, clubs, and jobs for me to explore. I
then felt that in order to develop as a person
and be more financially independent, it was
imperative for me to get a job. Within a month
into college, I was hired to become a Resident
Assistant. At the time I didn't realize how
challenging it would be, but it was an
experience I don’t regret. Through my job,
I made many connections with peers,
learned how to manage my time
between work and classes, and developed
professionally.
Maria (top right) celebrates 18th birthday with family and boyfriend (top center) on
November 21, 2016.
Most of the self-doubt I had during my
freshman year eventually turned into
confidence and I felt ready to begin my second
year of college. As a second-year student, I was
rehired as a Resident Assistant, continued to
take a full course load, and managed to
balance my long-distance relationship. Things
were going well until I received a notice from
the financial aid office; my financial aid was
reduced for the coming semester. It was
difficult to allocate money for tuition,
especially because I come from a low-income
family that can’t afford college expenses.
Although I was extremely stressed, I decided
to take a positive outlook and used it as an
opportunity to be resourceful and efficient. I
became frugal with my finances and started
delivering food as an extra source of income. I
overcame my financial struggle and was still
able to enjoy my time as a sophomore.
I'm currently in my third year at UC
Merced, and while I haven't finished the year,
I’ve already learned a few valuable lessons. I
moved off-campus, which is within itself is an
experience in comparison to the dorms. I was
also hired as a student assistant for the Office
of the Registrar and a student intern for the
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on
campus.
Throughout my college career, I have
remained academically successful while
keeping up with my job. I have been able to
maintain a social life and make life-long
friendships with people I’ve met along the
way. I’ve also surpassed financial struggles
and kept my relationship intact through the ups
and downs. I still have another year to go, and
within that year I hope to continue to seek
opportunities, study abroad, and prepare
myself for life after college. Each part of my
journey has been memorable and has helped
me to develop into the mature, intellectual,
professional, and independent Latina that I am
today. LS
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Email us at info@latinastyle.com
By Maria Luis
B.A. Economics Major
University of California, Merced
44 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 26, No. 1, 2020
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