Source: Nathaly Duenas
My experience at Saint Xavier University will forever hold a special place in my heart. It all started with the professors, classmates who are now life-long friends, and extracurriculars that set everything in motion for me.
I heavily encourage every college student to make the most of their experience at a university or community college.
Although it can be nerve-wracking, you never know who you’re going to meet, what you’re going to accomplish and how all of those moments can change your life.
I used to be a very introverted and closed off person before I transferred over to SXU in 2020. The repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic intensified my social anxiety and wallflower ways.
But everything changed when I joined student media. Peter Kreten and my former fellow staff members gave me such a warm welcome.
When the restrictions slowly began to lift, I was finally able to meet everyone on campus. This gave me the opportunity to break out of my shell and begin building connections and relationships with those I was heavily used to seeing through a Zoom screen on a daily basis.
I accomplished things my old self would have deemed as impossible.
Such as, interviewing Jim DeRogatis with my amazing friend and former WXAV DJ Holly Bryce, being recognized as student journalist of the year, and most importantly finding myself through all of these experiences.
Even though I was anxious most of the time, I don’t regret a second of it. I made amazing memories with everyone I was involved with during my time at SXU.
The Xavierite’s former Opinions Editor Heather Mayhew is one of my best friends. We met in our Senior Seminar course and from there our friendship blossomed.
We attended the Taylor Swift concert together, (we tailgated, but, same thing) and we make sure to have our traditional Panera Bread dates every now and then.
The college experience is way more enjoyable when you put yourself out there and meet new people.
I came to SXU as a transfer student and I had no idea who I was going to meet or what I was going to make of the rest of my college experience here.
I literally felt like I was entering a new season of my life. There were new characters, new plots, and ultimately a new me.
But in the end, I can say that I am extremely happy and beyond grateful for everyone that entered my life during the final years of my college experience, and for those who still remain in my life today.
Written by: Nathaly Duenas