vi 🫂

i had two simple goals when entering @ucsantabarbara: (1) get that degree and (2) hopefully make friends. as long as i can manage, that was just enough for me.

(1) luckily, after a huge exhale, i can say i graduated with a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a minor in Applied Psychology! there were long nights of staring at readings i barely comprehended and calculating passing grades for comfort. i kept having to remind myself that it'll all be worth it. and now, i can truly breathe complete breaths–with a college diploma in my hands!

(2) and even luckier, i was able to capture some of my most beautiful moments in life. my dear friends liquid iv, my group of old roomies, housemates, neighbors, and in connection: thank you for everything. i would not be the person you know without the laughs and shared memories in IV. i owe so much of myself to them, and it's truly been the biggest gift to grow and experience life together with them. i wouldn't have wanted it any other way. it's the biggest honor to call them my lifelong friends :')

i used to say i was unlucky, yet these 4 years shaped me to believe otherwise. that day i realized how much i'm going to miss being by the beach. as i walked down the stage, tears began to fall when i saw faces of friends celebrating our huge milestone. there are overwhelmingly great and terrible experiences i'd endure, but i wouldn't ultimately trade any of it for another college experience. and it brings me to tears to reminisce about all the spontaneous and planned times with my friends at this beach school. i'm truly grateful for the academic opportunity to pursue higher education. and i'm forever grateful for the lovely friends and precious memories that made living life fulfilling. an endless thank you to this 4-year chapter 🫂