I used to think of college as a universal term for people in the thirteenth grade or higher, as a place where people sat around and learned calculus. It was a colonnaded castle beyond the highest clouds in my mind.
I used to confuse it with ‘collage.’
Throughout high school, college has been an aspiration, an end to means. I taught myself to juggle two tasks: learning, and developing myself as an applicant.
As Declaration Day approaches, I’m realizing how lucky I am to have been taught in the environment I’ve been taught in. If it weren’t for the dozens of driven, talented, inspiring, and helpful people around me, I wouldn’t’ve met whatever success I have.
I’m also lucky to have the opportunities I did in high school—the chance to work my first job, the chance to work in a lab, the chance to be a part of some legendary extracurricular teams, the chance, the chance, the chance.
I’m grateful, I’m lucky.
Ishmam Ahmed 