Like many of us, I couldn't wait to leave high school. There weren't many things to do in the town I grew up in and college sounded like the perfect ticket out. Despite failing math and science, I decided to major in Microbiology because it made the people around me very happy. For a while, this also made me happy and I allowed it to define me. I loved seeing that look of approval when my father would introduce me to his friends as "my daughter, Romina, majoring in Microbiology". I'm sure it made us all feel secure to know that I'd have jobs lined up after graduation.
I thought I had it all planned out.
I stayed in denial for quite some time (3 years). As you know, most people graduate after four. I jumped from one science major to the next (Microbiology to Health Science to Environmental Science). During this time I was working retail part-time and made a few friends. Ironically, one of them also attended San Jose State and introduced me to Interior Design. No, this wasn't a new concept to me, but I had run out of options at this point in my academic career. As it turns out, Environmental Science wasn't for me and I began to consider other options. I knew that if I were to graduate, it would have to be on my terms.
I had to enjoy it, or I'd continue to fail...
It still wasn't easy getting into design. I had to rebuild my GPA until it was *just enough* to qualify. I often forget this detail, but I actually started taking design classes just in time for the pandemic. I left everything in San Jose to stay home and began my design journey on Zoom.
Most of the world was forced to slow down, but this was a pivotal moment for me.
For the first time, I felt truly proud of the work I produced. I was thriving. I couldn't believe it for myself until one of my toughest teachers pointed it out. It was nice to finally belong.
. . .
As I enter my last year of college, I look back on how unpredictable life has been. Admittedly, not everyone has the privilege to chase their passion like I have. Internally, I do struggle with the fact that it took me so long to get here. As you know, most people graduate after four. Many people will only see my failures. I hear them scoff at the fact that they did it in four years. So why couldn't I? (I should probably send them a link to this story... just to save time).
There is no definitive answer. I can't change the past. I can only move forward. I'm no stranger to failure and it no longer scares me. To tell you the truth, it's life's greatest lesson.