RANDOM - Post 2

As my time at USC comes to a close, I find myself caught in the ebb and flow of conflicting emotions, so I took the time to reflect back with this blog post. Graduation is right around the corner, a bittersweet reminder of the impending transition from the spirited college life to the calmer shores of adulthood. Reflecting on my past two months, I have felt the struggle between the desire to celebrate youth and the readiness for adulthood.  It's in this dichotomy that I've lived my best college days, yet also where I've recognized the cost of unbridled youth - a longing for the wellness and productivity that comes with maturity. This internal struggle encapsulates not just the end of an era but the beginning of embracing life's next chapter with open arms. 

To be frank, I've been a bit behind in getting ready for graduation. The realization hit me hard in April, right when my friends began planning our ceremonial photoshoots, sending me into a bit of a frenzy. Last week, I rushed to get my sash embroidered and started hunting for the perfect white dresses to try on, hoping my sash arrives in time, just a week before the big day. Honestly, I'm keeping my expectations in check for the ceremony itself, partly because the thought of walking across that stage, with all eyes on me, is pretty daunting. The culmination of years of hard work and perseverance is about to be showcased on graduation day, a moment filled with pride yet tinged with a peculiar anxiety - the fear of tripping on stage. 

While I may not have found a way to completely calm these nerves, I take solace in the fact that this day symbolizes more than a just walk across a stage; it represents countless nights of dedication, the juggling act of academics with internships, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. My college experience has been a testament to resilience, a period of my life where I've learned to celebrate both the highs of achievement and the quiet satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges. 

If I were to share a piece of advice with my future self, it would echo the lessons learned through these transformative years at USC - to not overthink, to embrace life with all its imperfections, and to cherish the journey as much as the destination. The realization that happiness stems from gratitude, from appreciating the present moment and the strength within oneself, has been a guiding light. As I prepare to bid farewell to this chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me, the friendships that have enriched me, and the wisdom that has prepared me for whatever lies ahead.