1281.73 miles. 19 hours and 57 minutes.

Almost two years ago, I moved from Arvada, Colorado to Hayward, California. Being barely 18 years old at the time, I was terrified. I felt like I was alone because I had no friends, and no family here.

Eighty-eight weeks and 6 days; 622 days; 14928 hours and counting, later, I can honestly say I’ve learned something new nearly every day. It may not mean much, but I’d like to share a few things that being in the East Bay has taught me.

1. Being a big kid is hard
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s a lot easier to call your mommy and daddy for help than it is to just figure it out: like when you’re out of toilet paper, when the milk is spoiled, or even when your car breaks down. If we are being honest, we all wish our mom still did our laundry. Ultimately college has taught me to be thankful for the things that I took for granted when I lived at home and sometimes it’s hard to be an adult.

2. Time management is key to success
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. I’ll just scroll through all my social media then I’ll do my homework. Next thing you know I wake up still in my clothes, lying on top of my backpack, without doing any homework.
I developed time management skills when I moved here because without my mom and dad always on me, I didn’t have much of a choice if I wanted to be successful. During my time at East Bay, I was a full time student, worked as Editor in Chief of The Pioneer, and worked a part time job at Banana Republic.
Having such a busy schedule really wore me out, but to combat that I gave myself deadlines, always used my planner and made sure that school came before my Facebook feed. I learned very quickly that with good time management skills, you’ll be much more likely to succeed.

3. You can’t escape reality
Going through the motions, although easier sometimes, will hurt you in the end. There comes an important time when it’s time to stop dreaming about goals, and think about how and what you’re doing to achieve those dreams. You may have to make sacrifices, and it may be hard, but that is the price of making your dreams a reality.

4. Conflict is essential
I hate confrontation; it’s terrifying, but I’ve learned more often than not, avoiding it just makes it worse. Although sometimes it’s emotional it’s better to talk things out. In order to resolve conflict, you have to be honest; that means with yourself and with whomever it is that you’re having conflict with. And if I’m being honest, a group hug is always an option to resolve conflict.

5. Being discouraged is okay
It’s okay to feel discouraged. It’s okay to feel like life is out to get you. Despite our feeling that we are alone in this, remember everyone goes through grey days, and everyone feels like a failure sometimes, and that’s okay. It’s important to note that even when it’s hard, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help when I’m feeling discouraged.

6. Believe it or not, mistakes are a good thing
Mistakes are inevitable. Mistakes are good. To make a long story short, I have made a lot of mistakes while I’ve lived here. I’ve even washed my clothes with dish soap on accident (and my clothes were squeaky clean) but hey, it’s okay to make an error.

Cliché as it is, we all make mistakes but that’s not where the importance lies. The importance is how we handle the obstacles; we have to get up, learn from our mistakes, and do better next time. So get up, go, and kick butt!

My time at East Bay isn’t my end to the dreams I’ve chased thus far. After feeling an array of emotions, I have decided that I am going to pursue journalism at San Diego State University and I know for sure I will take the things I learned here, and from my family in Colorado with me. I’ve created new dreams and goals as I’ve gone forward here at East Bay.

As my last week at East Bay ends, I am thankful. I’ve achieved dreams, I’ve reached goals, but I’ve also made new dreams and goals to conquer.

There have been some dreams I didn’t reach, and some goals I didn’t accomplish, but I’m thankful for the journey.

Not only have I learned loads about myself, I’ve made incredible friends at East Bay, and I was lucky enough to have an adopted family that treats me like their own. The memories I’ve made here will last a lifetime.

I want to give a special thanks to my family in Colorado, especially my parents, for teaching me so many things, and encouraging me to follow my dreams regardless of where I am.
Thank you to Alex, for letting me in to your life, and sharing your family with me. And last but not least, thank you to the communication department here at CSUEB, and especially everyone at The Pioneer.

See ya later East Bay,