I never expected a flag football game to have such a big impact on my life, but it did. It started when I became friends with some guys who play. They knew I used to take photos in high school and had asked me to come to a few games to take pictures. That game made me rediscover my passion for photography and changed the plan I had set for my future.
When I was in high school, my best friend and I planned to attend Bloomsburg University. We took a tour, got our acceptance letters, and decided we would be roommates. As the summer started to end and freshman year crept closer, I had an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. Not the panic attack anxiety but the kind where to start to question everything. Freshman year of college is full of new firsts: first time living away from home, first day of college classes, first college party, so many firsts to be excited about. But for me, the feeling of excitement didn’t exist. I wasn’t ready. So, I turned down Bloomsburg and enrolled at Bucks County Community College while working full-time at an art company.
While I was at Bucks, I was told to pursue an art degree, but I had already taken most of the courses in high school for free, so I chose Business. My mom wasn’t thrilled but was still supportive, and I wasn’t fully invested in college anyway. I continued with the college path because that’s what’s expected of everyone at my age. Community college felt more like an extension of high school. A professor told me about Bucks’s Dual Enrollment program, which guarantees acceptance into select colleges with all credits being transferable. I signed with Temple University to stay close to home. I decided to quit my job because I knew I wanted more for myself.
The spring after I graduated from Bucks, I started at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. A few weeks passed, and I hated it. It was nothing like I had expected. I struggled in my classes and felt alone. Not living on campus made it difficult to connect with other students. I felt that I had missed out on something. Everyone around me knew people, and I was the new kid. Then the flag football game happened at home and everything changed. I began looking at Klein’s Media programs and decided to go to Klein Fest. The moment I walked into Klein I knew I had to switch. I was surrounded by people who shared the same passions. That week I submitted to transfer to Klein. I told my mom I was switching, and she was very excited. I started at Klein that fall.
My first semester at Klein was different. I felt different. I took 5 classes, joined WHIP Sports Radio as a sports photographer, and later joined The Temple News. I finally had the feeling that everyone talks about, this is what college is supposed to feel like. I found the place where I fit in and finally felt like I belonged somewhere.
Looking back at my journey, I realize my path wasn’t straightforward, but every decision I made led me to where I am now. I grew and learned so much from my experiences and decisions. It’s okay to feel lost, change direction, and take time figuring things out. I learned that the path isn’t the same for everyone. Pursuing photography and media studies and production made me excited for my future. I now understand that there is no set path to finding your place, following what makes you happy and excited will lead you to your place.
