Pre-College

I am living in the moment I have only seen in movies: college life. I mean, Rice isn’t like other “movie schools,” but I made the decision to come here, and I stand by it. Up until my senior year, I did not know where I wanted to go,  I was lost and scared to even be looking. I thought I would always be living at home, with my mom’s cooking, my dad’s football Sundays, my siblings barging into my room, and my dogs’ constant barking. However, the college application deadline approached, and I submitted my binding application to Rice. I chose Rice because of the small classes, the friendly campus, and the fact that I could declare my major up until my sophomore year. Many universities in Mexico do not allow this, and you have to declare your major before starting in the fall. Life went on as normal, until March, when I got back the decision that would affect my entire future. Opening the letter and reading the first four words, “Congratulations, You have been …”  I knew my next steps were decided. The realization that I was leaving home hit me like a train. On August 18th, all six members of the Kimball family ventured out to Rice University, my dad in the driver seat of the rental car, my brothers moving my suitcases into room 311. Later that day, I said goodbye to my family. One moment, I was in the middle of a group hug, and then, there I was in Jones Commons, all by myself. 

The Transition

Who knew so much freedom could be overwhelming? My days which used to consist of school, soccer practice, pickleball practice, and family dinners, now consisted of classes and meals. My weekends, which used to be playing golf, going to the beach, surfing trips, and playing soccer games, have become a much-needed mental reset for the upcoming week. Not having a schedule was nice for the first 2 weeks, but then it became uncomfortable for me to have so much free time. I realized that I am a creature of habit and worked better if I had a set schedule. When I realized I had to change my schedule, I became really good at time management. Slowly but surely, I started to find things to fill my day. I spend my free time playing various intramural sports, like flag football, soccer, pickleball, and squash. I have started going to the gym, running, and joining an outside pilates class. 

What I have Learned

Finding balance also became very important for me. Before attending Rice, I knew that everyone would be smart and hardworking, unlike my high school. Back home, people studied the day before a test and hoped for the best, but here, I see people starting to study 4 days in advance. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. I love being surrounded by people who try because it motivates me to do my best. Although, I often feel pressured to work, even when I have little to do, only because everyone else is busy. This makes it difficult to know when I take breaks, and I feel guilty for taking one, even when it’s necessary. In the past, I had a tendandy of putting my grades first and my health second. Which took me a long time to realize but even longer to fix. It took me time to correct my unhealthy habits and to start prioritizing myself. One of the ways I have changed is by simply enjoying my weekend with friends and journaling in the morning. I’m also trying to avoid overloading my plate, which ties into how I sometimes compare myself to others. Everyone here is so admirable, they are either a part of a consulting club, or STEM club, have an on-campus job, or all three. Initially, I felt left out and sometimes unworthy to be here. But I have realized that I am here because I deserve to be, and I am doing my best, which is all anyone could do.

Feeling out of place has a heavy toll, that made me realize the importance of managing stress. Back home, I was prone to flight or fight situations and avoided those that were really necessary for me, like yoga. I played many competitive sports like pickleball and soccer, which would put me in high-pressure situations. My mom says that I needed to start accessing my parasympathetic system, which I realize is something I need to do here now too. Although I try to avoid feeling stressed, I do believe some stress is necessary to motivate growth in uncomfortable situations. If you stay in your safe space the whole time, you will never learn or access your true potential. 

So… how is the College Life?

During my six months at Rice, I feel I have lived a thousand lifetimes. I said goodbye to my best friends, my family, and everything familiar to me; I have met new people that feel as if they were the missing piece I never knew I needed; I have learned how to take antiderivatives and trig substitution; I learned just how freaking amazing I am. Even though I am amazing, I am not perfect and still have many things I need to improve. One of the most important is prioritizing myself. Long story short, college life has been a very educational period for me. Not only academically but also socially and personally. I have met my future bridesmaids, I have found things that I am passionate about but still have so much more to learn.