On your first days of college, everyone will say that this chapter of your life will pass by in the blink of an eye. As much as I didn’t want to believe it, they were unfortunately correct. I came to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) without the knowledge of who I was, as every 17 to18-year-old feels. It was as if I stepped straight into a coming-of-age movie. I had no idea what I was about to experience, who I would meet, or what challenges I would face. Little did I know there would be plenty of obstacles that I’d have to overcome.
Coming from a smaller high school, UTEP was a complete culture shock. The number of students alone made it feel like an entirely different universe. It was a much bigger atmosphere filled with unfamiliar faces; I was both overwhelmed and ecstatic. Uncertain if I had chosen the right university, I was eager for whatever the future had in store for me. I don’t remember much of my first days, but I remember meeting my roommate who later became my best friend.
Fast forward to the present day, with graduation approaching faster than ever. I have reflected on all of the fond memories I created in college and I realized just how grateful I am for the experiences and lifelong friendships I have made. I will cherish them throughout the course of my life.
As I bid you all adieu, I would love to give credit where it is due, to the people that helped me maintain my sanity through it all. Thank you, Ashley, (my roommate and best friend) for being my rock during the hard times and my unbreakable soul tie. Thank you, Darek, for your never-ending smiles that you bring everywhere you go. Bianca, thank you for the wisdom and spontaneity you bring into my life. Thank you, Frank, for being my outlet, the person who could always make me laugh even on my worst days. You have stuck with me through so much, and I’m forever grateful for your patience and willingness to listen.
Although my time at The Prospector was short-lived, I created friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime. To my Prospector family, thank you. Evelyn, thank you for taking a chance on me and for recognizing the potential I hadn’t yet seen in myself. It will be an honor to walk across the stage the same day as you. I am forever proud of your undying perseverance. Kristian, thank you for being my unofficial designated cameraman, you helped bring all my projects, including Tiny Mic Talks, to life. I couldn’t have done it without you. Sebastian, thank you for your never-ending joy; you will forever and always light up a room with your contagious glee; never lose that. Thank you, Ximena, for being the girl I could seamlessly talk to; you helped me adjust when I first joined The Prospector. Iziah, your talent is truly beyond comparison. I am so excited for what the future has in store for you, I am incredibly lucky to have met you and call you my dear friend. Abby and Mia, thank you for being my girls I could always share a laugh with, especially during our delusional hour on production days, you two were a huge part of why I looked forward to coming to work.
Lastly, words cannot describe the sincerest gratitude that I have for my family. Your support and guidance have allowed me to pursue what I truly love. I am blessed to have your unwavering love through it all.
I am forever grateful that I chose UTEP, even through the uncertainty and the constant pressure to leave El Paso for somewhere else. UTEP has given me opportunities, memories and people I know I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. Thank you, UTEP, for everything you’ve given me, I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. Although I am nervous for what will come next, I am equally excited for the unknown and am ready to venture into whatever life has prepared for me.
Kahri Reyes is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at [email protected] and on Instagram @kahrireys_.
