Jam-packed parking spots, summer heat, and new classes is here in the great state of Texas. Here at Texas State University, I will be attending my last semester before my graduation.
In this blog, I want to share my thoughts of what I felt and went through during my three years of attending.
Before we get to it, I want to inform all my readers that Texas State University was not my first choice to go for my college degree. I had big plans and big dreams… but we should all know that life does not always follow our plans.
Regardless, I want to leave a question for you to think about as you read: Did I regret attending Texas State University?
Let’s read to find out!
FRESHMAN YEAR – BLURRY, 20-20 VISION
My freshman year did not start off with a good start. It was the year when COVID-19 was high, and most everyone, including my family, were concerned about this global pandemic.
My dream school, A&M College Station, became a fleeting dream. My family wanted me to stay here in New Braunfels, Texas, where they can be sure that I was safe and protected in case anything happens to me.
The next closest college I applied for was Texas State University. It was not a hard decision. I opted out for the closest college, Texas State University, which is a 20-minute drive from my house.
Anyway, every class I had taken was all online. It was a very surreal experience to earn all my first semester, college credits from the comforts of my room on my laptop. For many students, this might be a nightmare, but I have always been a self-starter and self-study kind of student. So this was a dream come true for me.
Freshman year did go by really quickly. I barely remember anything fun or exciting that year. We mostly stayed at home to avoid COVID-19.
It was a year when we graduated with a 20-20 vision, and it got blurry towards the end. Although I was attending college, it did not feel like “the college” life. Especially since it was not my first college of choice.
SOPHOMORE YEAR – MAJOR CHANGES & CATCHES
Sophomore year was the year when winter came to an end, and spring springs back to life. We were now allowed to attend some classes in person.
Of course, we had to wear masks, and my obsession to sanitize my hands was pretty bad.
Regardless, we could now walk around campus for the first time, exploring the cafeteria, the student center, and especially the library. My twin sister, Lorrain, had transferred from UTSA to Texas State that year. I was very happy that I got to go to college with my other half together.
That year, we learned together that Texas State had too many stairs to count, parking was a hit-or-miss, and Starbucks was our main energy drink to get through the day.
I really enjoyed that year since I changed my major to electronic media and my minor to creative writing. I love the science and technology that came with social media. Then, my love for reading and writing helped me decide what I wanted to pursue in my studies.
I was starting to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. And now, I have found my path to it. My sophomore year was where I found that path towards my dream… to work for a publishing company or become a writer.
While I was thrilled about my new path, I caught COVID-19 along the way. I ate as much spicy food as I could since it seemed like it was the only kind of food I could “taste.” Either way, it was a good year.
JUNIOR YEAR – TWO SEMESTERS LONG
I have not taken any summer breaks in my entire three years of attending. I completely forgot about it and didn’t realize that I would be applying for graduation this fall 2023.
Even though my junior year was short, I had a blast. It was probably my best year. I met so many cool and amazing people, both classmates and faculty. I also improved my news reporting skills, videography, editing, and writing. I didn’t realize how much COVID affected my communication and interpersonal skills, but my eagerness to learn, grow, and connect with others my age has helped me get out of my shell.
Video Production was one of my favorite classes. My lab mates were fun and reliable. I enjoyed volunteering as the news anchor (when allowed) for filming days. Talking in front of a camera and reading a script has really boosted my confidence personally and professionally.
After taking my 2023 summer classes, did my college advising center reach out to me, saying that if I plan my fall semester classes accordingly, I could graduate early by the end of this year. You can only imagine my surprised, stumped, and excited look upon hearing this news. My family was very excited since I would be the first one in my family (my siblings) to graduate college.
It was definitely a year where I could happyly experience the life of a college student.
SENIOR YEAR – FIRST AND LAST SEMESTER
Now, I have just started my first semester of my senior year. I can also proudly say that it will be my last right before my graduation. I expect nothing less from Texas State University, Home of The Bobcats. Now, I am taking courses that will improve my writing and editing, content creation, management, and storytelling skills.
My goal now it to finish my senior year strong and pursue my dream job of writing and content creation. As for my earlier question from above: Did I regret attending Texas State University? The answer is no. I have no regrets. In fact, it was the best decision of my life. I enjoyed my stay here to learn from great professors at this school.
“I’m proud to be a Bobacat.”
Soon, I plan on advancing my education to a Masters degree at Texas A&M University – College Station. So until then, I’ll enjoy my last semester and have fun.
“Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat.”
MS Lalain Aquino 
Leave a comment