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After graduating from high school,
my friends and I went our separate ways. Some of my friends went to Towson
University, others went to a community college near our high school, and one of
my best friends moved back to the Philippines. I went to UMBC where I only knew
four people who I barely even see around campus. I am always surrounded by
people on campus, yet I still feel alone. I spent a couple of weeks eating by
myself at the commons, sitting alone on a bench, and walking around not knowing
where to go. One of my close friends who I initially knew before I came to UMBC
introduced me to a couple of her friends who are part of the student organization
called FASA. That day, we ate lunch together and asked about the basics, such
as “what’s your name? Where are you from? What high school did you go to? , etc...”
But even after meeting a couple of people in FASA, I was still not comfortable
to join their group, sit at their table during free hour, or even say hi. One
day while I was on my way to get water, I bumped into Phil, a member of FASA.
He asked me if I wanted to be introduced to the rest of the group. I was
hesitant, but I agreed. I wasn’t sure of what to expect: smiles, hi’s, or just
blank stares. Now I am not only a member of FASA but I am also a part of its
executive board as a freshman representative. I have met amazing people in my
organization who I know will make my college experience worthwhile. FASA is
more than just a group to me because FASA is family.
Get
out of your comfort zone because you never know of the adventures that await
you, the amazing people you have yet to meet, and the lessons you have yet to
learn.
