Jacqueline L.
University of California, Davis
B.A. in Political Science
What has been the biggest overall lesson that going to college has taught you?
The biggest overall lesson that college taught me was how possible it is to achieve your dreams. I always thought that I would go to college but never understood how hard it would be until I was actually there. It was not until I had to really multi-task, commute, work, while maintaining an internship until I realized the efforts it would take.
What did you learn about yourself?
Before entering college I did not know how to get out of my comfort zone. I did not know how to push myself to ask questions due to fear. In the beginning of college going to office hours was scary but I realized how it would benefit me and my grades.
Rate your experience
at college:
2020 & 2021 were extremely challenging under the confinement and constant menace of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully there were some silver lining and lessons learned.
Tell us about the highlights or accomplishments of this academic year 2020/21, in spite of all!
One of the accomplishments of this 2020/2021 year despite the COVID-19 pandemic was graduating college early.
Thinking of the whole 4 years, what were the greatest challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
The greatest challenges I faced was trying to make my class fall within the Amtrak train schedule since I would commute from Hayward to Davis. Along with this I would also try to make my schedule two days a week because the train tickets were expensive. I overcame this by taking classes that may not have been of my full interest and try to do well in those.
What were your proudest accomplishments or highlights from attending college?
- graduating early
- getting an internship
- learning how to use new coding websites
If you could go back in time 4 years ago, what would you tell your 18 year old self? If you could do-over, what would you do differently?
If I could go back in time I would tell myself to stop being so afraid, because essentially the only one holding me back is myself. I would try to go out more, and be more social, make more friends.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Go out, talk to people, network, take random and fun classes not just the required ones because you never know.
Now that you have graduated, have you formulated any new short term / long term goals?
Long term goals that I have for myself are to take care of my wellbeing, working out, and becoming more mindful. I hope to continue being motivated and driven in my education. Short term goals that I have are to improve my score on practice level exams as I would like to continue to Law School.
How did being a Bella Scholar contribute to the success of achieving your goals?
Being a Bella Scholar helped me, in achieving my goals by making it easier on me financially which allowed me to focus more on my studies.