Name: Maria del Mar Jaramillo
Major: Computer Science
Country: Colombia
Name: Maria del Mar Jaramillo
Major: Computer Science
Country: Colombia
When I first arrived on campus, I was really nervous about making friends. I felt intimidated by how accomplished everyone was, and I was scared of not fitting into what I assumed others wanted to see. Throughout the years, I began to notice the more I try to be myself, the stronger my friendships were formed. Authenticity and vulnerability are the best ways to get to know others and myself.
During my first semester, I was extremely impressed with the seniors being offered roles at huge companies. My mind began exploring a million possibilities for my future, and I set high goals for my next three years.
However, the following three years showed me a different definition of success. I noticed how much impact I had working at smaller companies, which inevitably helped reshape my goals to better fit my passions. I no longer aim for prestige or a big name, but rather a job in which I feel fulfilled, impactful, and secure.
One of my favorite memories was the few days between the end of J-Term and the start of the semester. Together with a friend whom I had barely spent any time with, we compulsively bought airplane tickets to Sri Lanka, where we embarked on a three-day adventure that included going to the hospital after getting stung by sea urchins.
Before this trip, I had envisioned my semester going in a particular direction. But as per usual, life takes unexpected turns. I learned that every year will bring constant change and growth into my life.
Whether I spend my Thursday nights blasting Dua Lipa with my friends, or falling asleep to a Netflix show, each semester brings its own unique sense of happiness. We must keep our minds open to change and embrace the ride.
I spent the first half of my senior year back home in Colombia where I reconnected with my family. Ever since I left home for college, my family and I rarely spend enough time together to be able to observe my personal growth. My family expected me to be the same person I was when I left home three years ago. As I pride myself on being honest and authentic, I decided to completely be myself around them. By the end of that semester, my family admitted how shocked they were at how much I had changed — they loved how much I have grown and how our relationship had become stronger as a result.