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Balancing commuting and campus

Deja Suarez


For the last three years, I have lived in Troy, Alabama. I recently moved back to my hometown, Montgomery, and into a house with two of my best friends.

 

I often second-guess my choice in moving out of Troy. My decision was tough because I was leaving so much convenience behind as it pertained to my studies and social life. I missed the benefits of living five minutes away from campus rather than 45 minutes.

 

There was not a large availability of classmates’ on-hand for activities, such as, study groups or copying notes. I also missed some of the greatest sporting events that Troy University has witnessed in years!

 

On the other hand, I had a very difficult time searching for employment during much of my stay in Troy. I spent most of my time working dead-end jobs; just making enough for half of my rent by the end of each month.

 

I knew that my parents would help but I decided to figure out how to solve my own financial afflictions. Over time, I realized that I was carrying a large load of unnecessary burdens. In the end, I placed myself in a position where I prematurely established my independence.

 

As a graduating senior, the chances of me moving to an unfamiliar place is extremely likely. That same uncertainty that I felt as I moved from Troy to Montgomery is beginning to resurface.

 

I am a believer in trusting your current position and viewing it as a temporary stepping-stone to enlightenment. Everything is interconnected with some sort of counteracting purpose. Time is the driving factor towards enlightenment.

 

I have quickly learned that life is going to take its course, no matter how active an individual is in producing good fortunes. I have witnessed a person’s fate take an entire turn from good; resulting in nothing close to a story-tale ending.

 

My decision to move to Montgomery and commute did not persuade me to abandon my studies in Troy. I enjoyed the experience that I had while living in Troy and the places that I have traveled with friends. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am still a student because I began to look at my education with an entirely new perspective.

 

The art of networking would not have been revealed to me as quickly if I had not moved to Montgomery. Although Troy has countless organizations, my focus group was outside of Troy University. I have been introduced to countless visual artists, musicians and marketing geniuses from small events held in Montgomery. The city’s vastness allowed me to explore and introduce my art in expeditions, allowing me to interact with so many different professionals that I never thought I would meet.

 

I am growing, learning and meeting so many different visionaries, and they all help broaden my perspective on how I can utilize what I have learned in Troy.

 

When you learn to trust your misplacement you begin to recognize more of your misfortunes as a blessing. A person never knows his true potential until he is taken out of his comfort zone. As previously mentioned, time is what determines your course.

 

If I had to go back nine months, I would make the same decision of moving and being a commuter from Montgomery. There would be a defining line between what is urgent and what is shortly insignificant.

 

I would suggest to any student who may face adversities back home to remember their overall goal. You did not attend college to receive a partial education. I am still determined to follow through despite all my responsibilities because graduating has always been my number one priority.

 

When you reevaluate your short-term and long-term objectives, you take off a lot of burdens that is currently being carried. My advice is to plan, practice open-mindedness, recognize truth and continue to persevere to keep your personal goals in alignment with your dreams.

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