We all learn to grow at all sorts of different times. The only thing setting us apart from one another is the time it takes to get there. From a first year to a fourth-year University student, we all face similar obstacles.
This story will develop through the eyes of two Saint Xavier University students, Bethanny Baldwin and Aylin Lopez Solis. Ms. Baldwin will reflect on psychology, basketball, and the power of her friendships throughout her journey, while Ms. Lopez finds her path in accounting during her first year at Saint Xavier University
Bethanny Baldwin is a senior at Saint Xavier University, set to graduate this spring with a degree in Psychology. Ms. Baldwin managed to balance academics, athletics, and personal growth throughout her journey. Her decision to major in Psychology came naturally.
When asked, “When did you realize what you wanted to major in, and how did that decision come about?”, she stated, “I’ve always been a deep thinker and a huge analyzer,” she said. “After taking a lot of gen eds, I realized most of my electives were psychology courses—and I enjoyed them.”
She admits that without her passion for basketball, she might not have pursued a bachelor’s degree at all. Balancing academics, athletics, and social life wasn’t easy, but Ms. Baldwin found a rhythm. When asked, “How have you balanced academics, extracurricular activities, and social life? “ she stated, “My social life came with being part of the team.
And to be an athlete, I had to stay on top of my work.” Balancing her academics was crucial for her social interaction’s day to day, so she dedicated lots of her time to studying and staying on track with assignments.
Besides her academic management, Ms. Baldwin believes her major is more relevant than ever. When asked, “Why do you think your major is important in today’s world?”, she stated that “Psychology teaches us why people do what they do.
It helps with mental health, relationships, and understanding how people are shaped by their environments,” she explained. “It gives us tools to protect our mental health and develop better habits”.
Besides the educational aspect of her journey at Saint Xavier University, Ms. Baldwin enjoyed her time with friends. When asked who had the biggest impact on her college experience, Ms. Baldwin didn’t hesitate. “Madison. She always checks on me and encourages me to do better. She’s been one of my longest friendships in college and helps me get through things”.
Friendships have been able to help her shape her journey. When asked, “What has been your most memorable experience in college?” She said, “The most memorable college experience wasn’t a single moment, but a collection of them, formed through travel and basketball competition’s”, by expressing that “Being a part of the team has been the most memorable. I’ve had a lot of teammates from different schools, and they’ve become like family,” she shared.
And finally, when asked “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, she stated, “I see myself in the best shape of my life and still competing as a professional athlete with no kids”.
On the other hand, we could see through the eyes of Aylin Lopez Solis, a freshman at Saint Xavier University majoring in accounting. Inspired by the financial potential of the field, she chose her major during her senior year of high school and hasn’t looked back since.
When asked, “When did you realize what you wanted to major in, and how did that decision come about? She said, “I realized what I wanted to major in during my Senior year of high school, because I realized how much money I could earn, and that really motivated me”.
Besides her academic goals, we went on to ask, “How have you balanced academics, extracurricular activities, and social life?” She went on to say that “Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life has been a learning experience.
I balanced them by dedicating certain days to my work”, she explained, showing a level of discipline uncommon in many first-year students.
We went on to ask her about her first-year experience when asked, “What has been your most memorable college experience? She said, “My most memorable experience so far is seeing the snow on campus”. Besides the campus life, we moved on to ask about her personal academic life and asked, “Who has been the most influential person in your college journey and why?”
Ms. Lopez mentioned her academic advisor as the most influential person in her college journey so far. “They helped me get through the year,” she said, emphasizing the importance of guidance during the transition from high school to college.
We also asked, “Why do you think your major is important in today’s world?” She went on to say, “This world revolves around money…accounting is essential because it helps us understand and manage finances, which is a skill everyone needs”. She believes that her major is very relevant in today’s world.
At Saint Xavier University, every student’s journey is unique. It shapes a person throughout their academic success. This story unfolds through the eyes of two amazing students, Bethanny Baldwin, a senior majoring in Psychology.
And Aylin Lopez Solis, a first-year student majoring in accounting. Together, their stories offer a glimpse into the diverse and inspiring experiences of Saint Xavier University students. Through Bethanny’s reflections on psychology, athletics, and friendships.
To Aylin’s ability to discover her passion in accounting. We see how personal growth, academic ambition, and meaningful connections shape the college journey. Their paths may be different from one another and take place at different times, but both students embody the resilience and determination that define the Saint Xavier University Journey.
By Angeles Hernandez