Freshman Year Reflection

"The more reflective you are, the more effective you are." -Hall and Simeral

Yesterday, I packed up my 14.5 feet by 11 feet Lake Superior Hall dorm room, took my last exam, and promptly left the city of Duluth at 8:30PM. This past year, though difficult, was simply amazing. As cliché as it is to say, college does change you. You really do find yourself in the hollowed halls of the school.

From the late night study sessions to the random adventures to the parties, I do not regret a single thing I did this year. Everything I did, and everything I learned, shaped me to be the person that I am now, and I have to say, this I'm pretty great. Just kidding. But I am proud of the person I am becoming. For me, growing as an individual does not stop.

I found my 'Persons' in Duluth. 
Being away from home was one of the most difficult things I had to deal with this year. Coming from such a close-knit family, I did not think I would survive being away for so long. But I did it. With the help of some people, of course. To my best friends up there, forever #Squad. Adam, Anthony, Josie, and Sarina. Thank you for putting up with my crap and helping me through all of my outbursts and breakdowns. I appreciate and love you guys so much. To Reena, Jamie, and Pam, thank you for listening to my rants, dealing with my randomness, and just being overall awesome. To Phillisha and Olesya, thank the freaking lord that two of my best friends go to a school two minutes away. You guys are the constant I had in Duluth. You guys are always there. To everyone else I met this year, thanks for being great and making my freshman year incredible.

You guys have changed me into a better person, and I thank you for that.
(P.S. If you guys didn't get the Grey's Anatomy reference...shame on you.)

I found my identity in Duluth.
Yes, I am an Asian American. I am an American with Chinese descent, but I never fully knew what that entailed. It wasn't until I joined Asian Pacific American Association (APAA) and became actively aware of what was going on in the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Community that I found identity. Going to the Midwest Asian American Students Union (MAASU) definitely helped me trace my story and who I am. I am freaking proud to be an Asian American woman.

I found myself in Duluth. 
I can honestly say that I have never been happier with myself. For years, I put up a front that only three friends managed to break down. I specialize in not telling people what's actually wrong and just make up some random stuff to distract them. Being in Duluth, and being on my own, I learned so much about myself. That I am independent, but also dependent. I am loud, but also quiet. That I am strong, but also cry easily. I am all of these things, and it does not make me weak. It makes me stronger than ever. And I will now gladly tell you everything about me if you ever ask, with a few tears if you don't mind.

This year, I learned a lot about myself and accepted myself for who I am. Here's to the next few years of continuous growth and positive change.

Michelle. xx.