You Bring Yourself With You: Lessons from a First-Year Scholar

by | Jun 26, 2025

This is part two of Meida’s story, following up on our first post from October where we introduced her transition from Downers Grove to Boston University.

When Meida began her college career, she was already admitted to Boston University, but she chose to get a head start by taking a few summer courses at the College of DuPage. The transition to a full-time academic schedule at BU came with its challenges. The workload tested her, but it also taught her valuable lessons about time management, accountability, and persistence. Learning through experience gave her a deeper sense of confidence and clarity about what it takes to succeed in college.

She had expected college to transform her completely but discovered that change often happens more gradually. “I expected college to change me and for me to become a new person,” she reflected, “but when you go to college, you bring yourself with you, baggage included.” Over time, she realized that growth came in small moments, and that the most meaningful shifts often go unnoticed until you look back. 

One of the biggest breakthroughs came from learning how to push through procrastination. By shifting her mindset and reminding herself that she was capable of hard things, she was able to stay focused even during the most difficult stretches of the semester.

Throughout this year, Green Halo Scholars continued to offer support. Regular check-ins and encouragement reminded her that she was not alone. “They really helped by checking in and reminding me of their support,” she said. “That makes a difference when you are in the middle of finals and doubting yourself.” Knowing someone was rooting for her helped her stay grounded and motivated.

Beyond academics, Meida stayed connected to her creative side. While she left her skateboard behind, she continued to pursue photography. She intentionally blocked out time in her schedule to relax and explore the city with her camera. She also learned the importance of rest. Though some nights were short on sleep, she noticed that everything felt more manageable when she prioritized rest and recovery.

This summer, Meida’s journey has taken her across the pond. She is spending six weeks in London as part of a study abroad program, taking three courses that blend classroom learning with real-world exploration. Weekly group outings have included visits to Highgate Cemetery, Kew Gardens, a boat tour along the Thames, and a performance of Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Outside of class, she has made the most of London’s cultural offerings. With most museums being free, she often chooses one to visit and then spends time wandering the surrounding neighborhoods, camera in hand. These experiences have allowed her to see the city in a personal and reflective way.

From adjusting to the pace of university life in Boston to exploring the streets and museums of London, Meida’s first year has been full of change, creativity, and self-discovery. Her story shows that growth does not always come from having it all figured out. Sometimes it comes from trying, adapting, and choosing to keep going.

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