• 2009 Alafi Family High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, Davis

• Fall 2009

I’m currently in my second quarter at the University of California, Davis. A lot has changed since first quarter, and it has all been quite a ride. College has been completely different from anything I ever expected, and it has challenged me in the most profound ways. First quarter, I had a tremendously difficult time adjusting to my new environment and therefore did not have a chance to explore the way I would’ve liked too. But I believe it is these challenges that have allowed me to grow and have helped pave to my future.

Last quarter, I did however take some really interesting classes, some of which have sparked ideas in my mind about what I might want to study, since I am currently undecided. In these classes I’ve learned about people, beliefs, events and ideas that have motivated me to become a more conscious person and have made me become more active in fighting racial and sexual discrimination. In some classes I even had the opportunity to bring about changes in a small community, by being a part of a grant scholarship given to low-income, middle school students. More than anything in my first quarter, I learned to adapt and to realize that change isn’t always a bad thing and that in fact, it is a vital part of the growing process.

Now during winter quarter, welcoming change with a brighter attitude, I’ve opened myself to different people and opportunities. I’m currently working on joining a couple different groups on campus, one of them being M.E.Ch.A (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan,) whose goal is to promote higher education. I also had the chance to audition for the University’s annual Dance performance and received a part in an African Dance piece choreographed by Frank Ata-Baah. However, due to the lack of time I am unable to participate in the performance but hope that maybe next year I will have the opportunity to do so. It has taken me a while, but I am slowly finding myself. My hope is that on my way, I am able to help bring about change in my community.