LeaveGoodforGreat

As many have said before me: GOOD LUCK CLASS OF 2016!

thebabybulldog:

Just as I said to all the SCEA’s:

I wish you all of you 2016’ers the best no matter where you end up next fall. You’ve already made it this far, and that alone says so much.

I think that you have to believe in your destiny; that you will succeed, you will meet a lot of rejection and it is not always a straight path, there will be detours - so enjoy the view.

~Michael York

Congrats 2016! You’re in for some of the most rewarding and awesome years of your life!

December 15th

“Bulldogs! Bulldogs! Bow wow wow! Eli Yale!

Once I heard that song play on my computer with the “Welcome to the Yale Class of 2015” sign on the screen, I collapsed. All the work I did since I was little paid off. I wanted this to better myself. I wanted this so that I could learn from the greatest and give back to my family what they couldn’t give me. I wanted this so when students in my community feel like they are stuck where they are, they can realize that they are not held back by their surroundings and they truly can go far. 

Having the opportunity I only thought was obtainable in my dreams was baffling. I was given the chance to do something that would better my life infinitely, and I couldn’t believe it. 

A year has passed since finding out my acceptance, and my first semester here comes to a close with one more final on Friday. I couldn’t be more grateful. Sure, academically it was rough for me, but it’s okay. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hurt me a lot that I’m trying so hard yet I’m not getting the results I want. But going from one of the lowest performing schools in New York to here, and passing? I’ll take it.

Socially, I couldn’t be happier. I have made friends from around the country and globe; it’s completely mind-boggling. Already, I’ve made the greatest friends that immediately became so close to me. There’s always something to do, and even if it’s the middle of the week. Whether I’m partying with friends or just relaxing in one of our suites, I’m always having a blast with them.

Opportunity wise, I can go on forever. Being able to help organize a Puerto Rican conference, being a part of the oldest college yearbook (did I mention going to Cape Cod next semester for being a part of it?! Didn’t even know where that was to be honest hahaa), mentoring students through the college admissions process, and having the chance to study abroad in Spain this summer are just a few of the opportunities I came across. If I told myself this a year ago, I would’ve just kept on saying “In your dreams! With what money can you do all of that?”

This past year, and these last few months have been an extreme blessing to me. A day has yet to go by that I didn’t say “I am so grateful to be here.” I really mean it. I honestly couldn’t be happier. Today, I’m exactly where I wanted to be when I was younger, and to realize that I can continue going farther with the resources that this school can give me is astounding. I don’t think I ever told myself this before, but I am beyond proud of who I am, and who I’m becoming. 

To the newly admitted Yale College Class of 2016: Congratulations! Let out the tears, the screams of joy, and the overwhelming ear-to-ear smiles. You deserve it. Don’t ever forget how completely blessed you are to be admitted. No matter how much you think about it, your life at Yale and the opportunities they have will blow your mind. Welcome to your new home!  :]