When I first graduated from high school, I was sick of school. I had always been a straight-A student, but I was worn out from the monotony of academic work. I was tired of stressing over finals and every grade that I would receive. I wanted to start slow and take my time working into the college environment. I was offered a full scholarship to Mesa Community College. I immediately took the offer because it would minimize my debt and allow a slower start into my college career.
I started off my MCC career as a kinesiology major, desiring to eventually be a physical therapist. After a few short weeks into school, it became apparent to me that I was not meant to be in the medical field. I then drastically changed my major to housing and urban development with a focus on urban planning. I soon became bored of this area of study as well. I again went to my advisor, and I changed my major to communications. I had been selecting communications classes for many of my electives, and I realized these were the classes I enjoyed most. I had finally found a major that excited me and provided many options for the future.
After my two years at MCC, I transferred to ASU. I was offered a scholarship based on my academic performance at MCC. For the first time, I went to an advisor at ASU. It was during this meeting that I discovered if I took 15 credits for the next three semesters, I was on track to graduate a semester early. Finishing early had never entered my mind. Although I would miss my senior year spring break and graduating with my friends, I still desired to finish early. I was ecstatic to say the least. The girl who didn't know where to start school, didn't know what her major was going to be, was going to graduate early? Somehow, after months of indecision and frustration, graduation was in sight. I will be graduating this December, after only three and a half years. I still don't believe it, and I check my ASU Interactive weekly to make sure it is really happening.
My original goal was to get through school as quickly as possible, but as I have come near the end of my time at ASU, I realize how much I enjoy school. I have since developed a new passion of study, and I have set my heart on law school. Interestingly, as anxious as I was to get through school, I will now be continuing on for another three years. I may complain about school in times of stress, but I thrive on the challenges it presents. I look forward to beginning this journey in the fall of 2008 and graduating early will allow me a longer break to prepare for the demanding adventure that is ahead of me.
— Reach the writer at spm@asu.edu
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