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My first year of college is officially over in a week. I have learned so much inside and outside the classroom about myself, my passions, and the possible career paths I want to take. I have I have taken challenging courses that have fueled my curiosity to learn more rather than hindered it. I have realized that I like MIS?! I have made handfuls of new friends in many different social circles and joined student orgs that I enjoy being a part of. I have officially taken the jump and applied to be sustainability studies dual major. I have grown.
Yet, the most significant part of my growth had come from something entirely different. This semester I have actively chosen to be more spontaneous and adventurous. When I was younger, I was always a risk-taker and thrived off doing new things. Part of it was because I had lived abroad in China and had grown up in a two-year-long adventure of appreciating amazing food, sights, smells, and cultures. Other parts that contributed were my summers in Mexico visiting my family. Every day consisted of learning more about my heritage, playing outside in the hot Chihuahuan city with my cousins, eating elotes from that one food truck, and collecting Nueces from a tree at my Abuelita's ranch. My personal value of adventure was a big part of who I was growing up—and still is. However, heading into college, I began to neglect this value that is essentially who I am.
When I visited Austin with my high school friends last summer, we tried all the "touristy" things, from paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake to eating Downtown and walking down South Congress. On the trip, I vowed to try all the things Austin had to offer during my. college years at UT. But fast forward to the end of the first semester: I had barely scratched the surface. I didn't have time to go paddle boarding again, I maybe went to South Congress twice, and I hadn't gotten into the live music scene as my younger self had hoped. My adventurous side had taken a backseat as the classes got harder and friends opted for a "usual" Saturday night. Life became a routine. Everything had its order. And I forgot about all my hopes to fully experience UT's backyard.
I found myself emotionally drained and craved trips to Lucky Lab or a park just to get away from the campus bubble. I realized that I was making choices that did not align with who I was and my values by not seeking these moments of adventure. I feel energized doing something that breaks the routine of the school week, and by not doing that, I was beginning to feel cooped up. That is when I promised myself to do at least one spontaneous thing a week. And since then, I have not only discovered new things about Austin but have discovered new passions and hobbies. I went to the Alamo at night with my friends simply to see it. I went bouldering for the first time without any experience at the Austin Bouldering Project (I realized almost everyone I know goes to ABP!) and have now taken all my friends to try it. I tried a new Korean place on Guad. I took my friend (and then my dad) to Sip Pho after getting a recommendation to go (it's my new favorite restaurant!). I went to a Women's Rights march just yesterday and ran
all the way to the capitol from SRD with a friend. I walked Rainey Street for the first time with my dad and finally enjoyed some live music. I visited my first jazz club and cheered my friends. As they performed. I finally began to experience college in a way that best aligned with my values. And I couldn't be happier.
This year I have learned what makes me tick and keeps me energized weekly.
People say college is about self-discovery, and they could not have been more right. While adventure is one of my values, I would encourage everyone to do something outside their comfort zone at least once a week. Almost a year had flown by before I truly got to experience Austin, and I could not believe I was missing out on so much. I know how easy it can be to be swept into the whirl of what is happening on or near campus, but there is so much more to life than what is in our proximity. I encourage everyone to go discover that for themselves.
The first time I visited Austin—like experiencing the city's atmosphere—I became
so excited about everything I could do here. My high school friends and I decided to go on a girl's trip to Austin as a graduation gift, and we tried all the touristy things, from paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake to eat Downtown and walking down SoCo. I knew my time at UT would never be dull with all the things Austin had to offer.
But fast forward to the end of the first semester, and I had barely scratched the surface. I didn't have time to go paddle boarding again, I maybe went to South Congress twice, and I hadn't gotten into the live music scene as my younger self had hoped. My adventurous side had taken a backseat as the classes got harder and friends opted for a "usual" Saturday night. Life became a routine. Everything had its order. And I forgot about all my hopes to fully experience UT's backyard.
Arriving back from winter break, I promised myself that I would be more spontaneous and make choices that aligned with my value of adventure.
About The Author:
Emily '25
Business Administration and Sustainable studies
Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Course Student - Spring 2022
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