As I reflect on the past two years in college it is hard to believe that this chapter of my life is over. The journey was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, challenges and growth. The most important thing is that I was able to overcome all the difficulties in order to successfully complete my degree. 

In the past three years, I have been driving the same road countless times.each curve is familiar with old memories. Some days I was ready to begin my class with every assignment completed, motivated to begin a new week but other days I had low energy and doubted myself. 

I pass familiar buildings like Westbrook High School where sometimes I would drop off my younger sister to school and quickly rush to my morning classes. I see the exact same gas station where I had to put gas in my car before heading to school.

 Basically, the drive to school meant “stress” running late and eating breakfast in the car,  spilled coffee on my lap and racing against a mental clock that never stopped ticking. It is funny how a simple drive to school can create plenty of memories and emotions.

I recall going to my favorite coffee shop in Portland and buying a toasted bagel with cream cheese and avocado and small size hot coffee. My visit to that coffee shop felt relieving and allowed me to forget for a minute the stress I felt. Today my drive to school feels slower and my car itself understands I am not in a hurry anymore. The path hasn’t changed but I have. The route that once carried me through stress and uncertainty now brings me peace and perspective.