
All through my life, the unpredictability of the future was
my greatest fear, and I had no idea what to expect from college. I did not know
whether I would be prepared for the academics, what type of person my
roommate would be, what kinds of friends I’d make, what to expect from living in a
big city (especially as a person from the suburbs of New Jersey), or if I was capable of being away from my
family and friends for such a long time. I have to admit that my first month of
college was a bit rocky; I had to adjust to a new routine in a new environment
with new people. However, I eventually found my worries and insecurities being
washed away as the months passed. I was participating in
my classes way more than I ever had in high school, forming close relationships
with people whom I had just met, getting very involved with campus life, and
becoming truly happy about where I was in my life.
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With my incredible peers in the Emerging Leaders
Program at City Hall.
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Most importantly, I was beginning to find the person I
really was. It was like the flower within me was finally blooming. I was more
outgoing, more courageous, more daring, and more positive than I had ever been in my
life. I believe college doesn't change you, but rather it brings
out the person you always were. This is one of the first times you’ll be away
from home for a long time, without childhood friends to define the person you
are and parents to make decisions for you. Although this seems a bit daunting
at first, you will have the most rewarding feeling when you realize you’re
far more capable of than you give yourself credit for.
A year ago, I never thought I’d be the class vice president,
be a part of the student advisory board of an agency that helps more young
women to be dominant in computer science, be a member of a program that teaches
women to be leaders, and create friendships that will last many years to come.
In fact, tonight I will be a recipient of an award at the SGA
Leadership Awards Dinner. Reflecting on this year, I will always remember my
humble beginnings and be grateful of the many doors of opportunity that have
opened in front of me because of Barnard.

Cheers,
Sarah
Sarah