I think I am someone who embraces change, even when it scares me. I grew up in California, so coming to Bryn Mawr was a big change for me. I moved across the country and had to start over in a place where I barely knew anyone. I missed my family, my friends, and the life I had back home. At the same time, I knew I came to college because I wanted something different for myself. Being away from home forced me to become more independent and figure things out on my own.
My time at Bryn Mawr has brought even more changes. I have changed my academic interests, taken classes that pushed me, joined new organizations, and started doing research. When I first started research, I was not sure how much I could contribute. As I spent more time on the project, I started finding patterns and results that I was proud of. That experience showed me that I can learn as I go. I do not need to know exactly what I am doing before I try something new.
Change has become a normal part of my life. I have learned that I grow the most when I allow myself to try things that are unfamiliar. Moving to Bryn Mawr changed my life in ways I could not have predicted when I left California. I still miss home, but I have built a life here that means a lot to me. I want people to understand that embracing change can be uncomfortable. It takes time to adjust, and it takes courage to keep going. For me, being open to change has helped me become more independent and confident in myself.