Hello! This is a week late, but I have been very busy and wanted to talk about my experience at AYA. This was an amazing opportunity, and I am very glad I was able to experience it all.
The 4 weeks in the program went by so fast. I was shocked to see I was signing in for the last time. I can’t express how much I enjoyed this experience; I met so many great people: classmates, professors, guest speakers, and of course, the directors. I have to admit I was very nervous going into the program. My expectations of getting in were so low that I wouldn’t even be upset if I didn’t get in. I have changed since then; I would have been upset if I didn’t get in.
I was lost at the beginning of the program, lost around the campus, and lost with everything going on. It was nothing I was used to; everything felt so distant. I didn’t get to sit near anyone I knew the first day. But I talked to my friends during the break and got some breakfast so that at least made everything feel easier as the day went on. I also got to meet someone new with the exercise during journalism. Prof. Allen and I also had matching outfits, so that was funny.
As each day went on, it felt like everything was just natural. I talked to everyone and got to know them, I wasn’t as nervous talking to people, and I was opening up more than usual as well. A little silly, but I started taking pictures of myself. I never had pictures of myself on my phone, but during this program, I have gotten a huge confidence boost. Everything just feels so natural now.
Something that stuck with me was when the alumni came and talked to us. I remember one of them talking about how everyone in this room deserved to be here. After hearing that, I really reflected on myself; even if my answers didn’t sound the same as everyone else, I understood that a lot of people didn’t get into the program but I did. I truly did belong here, and I shouldn’t compare myself to others.
I am really proud to call myself an AYA alumnus. I was glad to be able to explore the USC campus and see how different high school and college are from each other. I still can’t get over it being over, but everything has to come to an end. I really appreciate everyone at this program and all the help and support that was given to me. It showed me that it is okay to fail and not always do everything “perfectly.” It’s okay to ask for help and to struggle. I have struggled to realize this even when I was told when I was younger. I’m hoping to improve on this, but I really needed to hear this again. It gives me a better outlook on life.
That’s it for me. I’m glad that I was able to go to this program and meet all of the amazing people. This is my last journal for the program. Again, I know it’s late, and people might not see it, but I really just felt like sitting down today and letting out my final thoughts about the program. Until next time. Fight on.
Communicating Change 