Personal Narrative: My College Experience At Florida International University

Ever since high school I had always envisioned attending a college out of state where I could have a “real” college experience. My junior and senior years consisted of countless applications sent to schools all over the country in the vague chance I would receive a reply back. After a while, the stress of worrying for my future really started to get to me and as a result, my grades and social life started to slip. My brother, with whom I’m lucky to have a great relationship with, noticed my anxiety and decided to do something about it.
One day he simply asked me to get into his car and told me he was taking me somewhere “special”. Along we drove down the Florida Turnpike until we reached a magnificent arch that was beautifully landscaped. “This is Florida International University, where I go to school”, my brother said proudly. “and I wanted to show you around for the day”. He proceeded to give me the best day of my life: a personal tour of the campus, an unbelievable all-you-can eat buffet, and an exciting Ping Pong tournament between he and his friends in the campus game room. By the end of the day I was enthralled at the idea of attending Florida International University.

To this day, being in FIU makes me feel like I’m part of one huge family who are all very close to one another.

I had spent the majority of my college search looking around in other states when I had one of the best universities lying right here in my city. In all honesty, I don't think I would be here drafting this essay had it not been for my brother. Being an FIU graduate has changed him in so many positive ways and infused in him a pride in his university like no other. I thank him for his willingness to help me start my journey at FIU to success. Because of him, I have chosen a career path that is proving to be both socially and intellectually

satisfying.
I am currently pursuing a degree in computer science here at FIU and have already started to plan for life ahead of college. One way I do this is by getting involved in the FIU Alumni Association by attending their career development workshops. One instance in late January of this year, I attended a fascinating workshop hosted by Jose Toscano, Director of Campus Life. Throughout his lecture, Mr. Toscano highlighted the importance of social media and its impact on our future careers using his fun and witty personality. At one point he even made light how even on Yik Yak, an anonymous social media platform, a student was still caught posting inappropriate material about his professor (based on his writing style) and disciplinary action was taken against him. Stories like these helped emphasize the significance of social media in our lives and how it can negatively affect our careers if used improperly.
Another way I prepare for my career ahead is by getting involved in the tight-knit community within the PG-6 Tech Station. In the past few months, networking with some of the older computer science students have shaped many of my long term goals for the future. In particular, I’ve learned not to label the job market as one “full of programmers”. In fact, there are many careers computer science students can engage in from systems administrator to robotics. Therefore, throughout FIU, I hope to take full advantage of the many computer science electives the school has to offer and emerge from school fully certain which career I would like to pursue.
Thanks to my brother who is a proud alumni of Florida International University, I have enrolled in a university that offers one of the best educations of state schools in the country. I am positive being here at FIU will play a positive role both for my personal and career growth. To facilitate this growth, I have been involved in the Alumni Association which offers helpful workshops to undergraduate students as well as networking with fellow computer science students. One day, I will hopefully be able to have the fortune to consider myself an FIU alumni and pass along the torch of FIU pride to younger friends and family. It is the least I can do for a university that was so warm, accepting, and inviting for a confused high school senior just a short time ago.