As my college years come to a close and with Thanksgiving around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on the many experiences that USF has given me, what I’m grateful for, and what advice I’d give to an incoming student. Senior year is a transitional period filled with uncertainties, chaos, and nostalgia—not knowing where you’re headed, scrambling to figure it out, and reminiscing on what once was. However, amidst all the chaos and stress, it’s important to reflect on your experiences, both good and bad, because even the bad experiences hold valuable lessons.

USF provides students with enriching experiences and golden opportunities that they might not have otherwise. With easy access to resources like internship opportunities and career fairs, USF diligently ensures each graduate is prepared for their future career. I’ve used the Handshake program through USF to find internships, and I highly recommend it to any student. Looking back, I’m thankful for the resources that have helped me prepare for life beyond college. Moreover, college exposes you to many different cultures and ways of life, especially for those who have lived in one city their entire life. It forces you out of your shell and teaches you to collaborate with your peers—even when you’d rather work alone. By working in groups, college has helped me foster meaningful friendships with people I might not have spoken to otherwise. After transferring from a community college, I remember being new to USF and noticing how the people in your classes actually want to talk to you. I’ve come to appreciate the welcoming and supportive community that helped make this transition smoother.

Furthermore, college teaches you how to manage your time. Many students balance working a job, attending classes, completing schoolwork, finding internships, and participating in extracurricular clubs to build their résumés. What helped me most when navigating this balance was writing down a priority list. I highly recommend organizing your tasks based on what’s due first and what’s due later. I’ve had plenty of “Oh no” moments, and in those times, you learn to diligently manage your priorities. Even during stressful times, I’ve learned to be grateful for the lessons these challenges taught me about resilience.

In these moments, I also recommend advocating for yourself and recognizing that your professors are humans too. Speak up when you need help, explain your circumstances, and be honest because, more often than not, your professors will understand your stress and work with you to find a solution. I’m thankful for the professors who showed understanding and encouraged me to advocate for myself during difficult situations.



Overall, I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities and lessons I’ve learned during my time at USF. I can confidently say that USF prepares students well for their future careers. Utilize your resources, prioritize your responsibilities, and advocate for yourself—your experience is what you make of it. Most importantly, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and the people who supported you along the way—it makes the journey even more meaningful.