Adiós

Adi%C3%B3s

Adiós

By Mariana Rodriguez

am going to keep it real. Writing this is kind of hard, especially because I can’t dedicate it to a student body that I did not get to personally connect with, and I’m almost 100 percent sure people could care less about the struggles I went through. We all have our struggles, but I am going to take this time to give some unsolicited advice because I’ve earned the right to give it.

An acquaintance once told me “Everyone gets accepted into Columbia.” I don’t know why, but that phrase always stuck with me. Everyone may get accepted, but not everyone finishes. This is the case for many beginning their career in higher education.

College is a place for people who have a dream, are determined and accept the challenges of nights of homework, semesters of doubting yourself and the constant question, “Will I have enough money for school next semester?”

Pursuing your dreams isn’t easy, but giving up is. It sounds cliché, but it is true. You have to believe and want it so bad that when you envision your future, you’re living your dream. Like this: “I am Mariana Rodriguez, a TV reporter for the people. I have lived and worked in five other states as a general reporter and news anchor.”

I can’t say that I am a model student, and I do regret letting procrastination and work hold me back from taking on more opportunities. But that is OK. It is too late now, and I have accepted that. I will have to work harder and make sure I don’t let that happen again.

There are mantras everyone should embrace: Take opportunities and don’t be afraid; money comes and goes, but you must take advantage of the moment; every day is a day closer to your goal, so make it count.

College can feel lonely. You lose a lot of friends. You constantly find yourself in a battle of self-doubt, and you might have a mental breakdown. But that is also OK. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help. Detach yourself from people who are comfortable where they are, and surround yourself with people who are ambitious like you.

To Irma, Mario Sr., Mario Jr., Brenda, Carina, Lidia, my family in Mexico and many more who have made me feel valuable in some way, thank you. You will never truly understand how fortunate and eternally grateful you have made me feel. Thank you for always tuning into my Newsbeat shows, understanding when I say no because I have to study, and giving me constructive criticism on my work and your genuine support.

I was supposed to be another failure statistic, and yet here I am. I’m 25 years old with an associate degree, and after what seems like an eternity of school later, I’m finally receiving my bachelor’s.

 I look forward to continuing  this adventure and cannot wait to see my success unfold. So, to that acquaintance, I’d like to say thank you, because while everyone gets accepted into Columbia, I finished. As Dave Matthews Band said, “To change the world, start with one step. However small, the first step is hardest of all.”