By Lauren Hammond
Opinion Editor
The first couple years of my undergraduate studies had been characterized by uncertainty, dread and a lack of self-awareness.
Being the first of my family to attend college, I had little understanding of what to expect. Before attending Cal State University San Marcos, I spent one year at a private university in Oregon and two and a half years at a junior college here in Southern California. During that time, I felt a strong disconnect from my peers, my professors and the campuses altogether. This sense of disengagement left me with little motivation, and I feared for my future.
When coming to San Marcos I had only one intention in mind, and that was to earn a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing. However, after settling in at the university I found my previous academic detachment lift, as I was greeted with many unique and life-changing opportunities.
In my second semester at CSUSM, in the spring of 2013, I was given the opportunity to serve as a research assistant to Dr. Linda Pershing, Professor of Folklore and Cultural Studies here on campus. In that time, several other students and I began collecting research to form the new Harry Potter class that opened this semester. My involvement in the project not only strengthened my skills as a researcher, cultural analyst and writer, but it also helped me to form a strong connection and devotion to our campus. Serving as a research assistant only furthered my opportunities, as I was able to attend the annual American Folklore Society conference in October of last year as an undergraduate representative of CSUSM. My attendance at the conference was an amazing experience, to say the least, and it gave me the opportunity to meet with academic scholars, which further inspired my ambition to write.
As a CSUSM Cougar, I have also been given the aid necessary to develop my own voice as a writer: giving my life a new sense of purpose. In my time here, I have learned that writing helps me connect with others. I remain enthusiastic about my love of literature and composition, and for the past year have been working as a writing consultant at the Writing Center. This activity not only allows me to exercise my own talents and interests in writing, but it also enables me to strengthen the writing skills of students as well as to bond with others on campus.
Working as the Opinion and Copy editor for the school paper has been another uplifting experience at CSUSM. My initial interest in becoming an editor was to help diversify my own writing skills. However, as time has progressed, not only my love of written language has strengthened, but I have also found an incredibly unique bond with my fellow editors and our staff writers. This opportunity has given me a new outlook on what it means to be a successful college student. Achieving good grades is one thing, but making positive connections with others is what really makes a college experience worthwhile.
Ultimately, I would just like to take this time, before departing from our beloved campus, to thank all of my fellow students, the professors and staff of the Literature and Writing Department, and all of CSUSM’s campus advisors for helping to shape the woman that I am today. I would be lost if it weren’t for all of the love, respect and encouragement everyone on campus has shown me. I look forward to furthering my educational career and cannot wait to see where all of the campus’ support will take me.