Unveiling the Crux
Raheal (in #1 jersey) at Mt. Holyoke volleyball match
Raheal Boadi-Yeboah
Mount Holyoke College
Two summers ago, I gained admission into an intensive week-long writing workshop at Dickinson College, where I sharpened my writing and analytical skills and also got a general outlook on what college was about: making new friends, being responsible, and becoming independent.
The following year, I enrolled in a month-long business workshop at the Wharton School of the University Of Pennsylvania. This time I had built my confidence more, imbibed the fact that teamwork, cooperation, willingness and commitment were keys to `jumping-the-college-hurdle.' I got a real feel of what college was about and I felt ready for it.
I am now a freshman at one of the finest liberal arts institutions, which values leadership and excellence--Mount Holyoke College. The transition from high school to college was not so much of a shock thankfully to the two summer experiences I had previously had. I remember the first day when we unfinished packing my luggage and my aunt got ready to turn back home. Honestly, it was mixed feelings of anxiety, worry and joy. Before she drove off, she said,
"You are destined to be here, just like all your mates (which you will soon meet). Now that you are here, it’s up to you to make the best out of every moment. It starts from now."
This advice has lingered in my mind and for me, it's the fuel that pricks my conscience and urges me to strive for greater achievements. My first few weeks in college have been awesome. I have made friends who encourage me, moved away from those who discourage me, built good relationships with professors, challenged myself to study more, to be more confident, courageous, and independent. Owing to the passion I have for the things I love, I tried out for the varsity volleyball team and made it onto the team. Our numerous matches and trips have been to MIT, Clark University, Vassar Elms, and Babson Colleges, and together, as a team, we are chalking up great achievements.
These few weeks in college, I have decided to strive for excellence and not to take things for granted. I have decided to set priorities and stick to them religiously, and these positive attitudes have manifested in the good grades I am receiving.
So now I feel obliged to unveil the crux of my experience: I am passionate about what I am studying (organic chemistry), committed to all I do, purposed and focused on a goal, playing in the varsity team in a sport I love most (volleyball) and on my way to many successes.
If there is something you have to do, do it with commitment, passion, focus, and determination. It is my hope that as young adults budding and preparing for the college experience, you will nurture the need to be passionate about something you want and do it to the best of your ability.