One of the first assignments I ever did as a college student was for ENGL2089. The assignment was to open your fridge and write about what you see. The assignment was about identity. What does your fridge say about you as a person? 

 

Initially, I found this assignment arbitrary and questioned its relevance. I believed there were countless other ways to convey who I am as a person, and the state of my fridge seemed inconsequential.

 

However, a recent trip to the grocery store changed my perspective. As I stocked my fridge and observed its newly filled state, I began to see the profound meaning behind the assignment. The contents of my fridge became a reflection of my identity, mirroring the changes I have undergone throughout the year.

 

At the beginning of the year, my fridge was disorganized and filled to the brim with various items, a chaotic mess inherited from the previous tenants. Multiple jars of mustard and expired goods were just some of the nicer things in that fridge. But now, it is meticulously organized, with individual shelves assigned to each roommate. On my shelf, I have implemented four clear plastic bins for further categorization: one for meat, one for veggies, one for dairy, and one for miscellaneous items. And yet, despite my best efforts, my shelf and bins always seem to be overflowing with food.

 

Similarly to my fridge, my life at the start of the year was in disarray, as I faced a sudden disruption of habits, routines, and familiar support systems. The newfound freedom presented me with a myriad of choices and opportunities, including numerous clubs, organizations, classes, friends, activities, and parties competing for my attention. I had to navigate through these options and make tough decisions, similar to choosing between metaphorical bottles of mustard. I had to sort through some tempting condiments but luckily I recognized that they were long past their expiration date right away. Luckily I had great brothers and parents to point out these expiration dates and help me find some condiments that I like.

 

Throughout the year, I consistently made these types of wise choices and committed myself to structured pursuits, such as working at the crytpoeconomics lab and joining ACM and Econ Society. And I really do thank my brothers for helping me find clubs and encouraging me to pursue research. These commitments provided me with a framework and stability, enabling the development of new routines and the organization of my life, just as I did with my fridge.

 

However, despite the meticulous organization and structure I imposed, I filled my life to the brim, much like my overflowing fridge. Juggling part-time work, leadership roles in clubs, pursuing two majors, and a master's degree is quite demanding. Although intentional, my decision to create this life also resulted in a significant workload. Yes, ample opportunities for learning and growth, but also a considerable amount of work.

 

When contemplating this situation, I had a conversation with a friend that shed light on my perspective:

    Me: "I think I made the mistake of filling my schedule with too many good, amazing things this first year."

    Friend: "That's okay, we all do that. I know I certainly did. You'll find the right balance eventually."

    Me: "Unfortunately, or fortunately—I haven't decided which one yet—I have already made the same mistake for next year. And I kind of fully intend to do the same thing again after that."

 

Being busy and having a full plate can be challenging and stressful. However, I have come to accept and embrace it. Throughout my freshman year of high school, I coined a phrase that has guided my approach to life: "If you're going to do something, do it right." Simply taking it easy or solely seeking fun and leisure isn't enough for me in college. That's not to say these aspects are unimportant, but they cannot be the primary objectives. If I invest my time and money in being here, I want to give it my all, pursuing excellence in everything I do.

 

In moving forward, I recognize the importance of leveraging the resources available to me and relying on my support network to hold myself accountable in continuing this growth. Engaging with mentors, professors, and peers will help me stay on track, providing guidance and feedback. But most importantly, my brothers and parents. They were there for me when I was making my new life as a college student. They were committed to helping me then, and they are committed to helping me stay on track now.

 

By acknowledging the significance of the fridge assignment, I have come to understand how it mirrors my personal growth this year. I have demonstrated resilience by adapting to new circumstances, organizing my life, and embracing the challenges that come with a packed schedule. With the support of my resources and network, I am confident in my ability to continue this journey of growth and make the most of my college experience.