What a semester! Exhausting but something that has been worthwhile. With graduation fast approaching (December!), I have become a working maniac in my last semester here at Loyola. Since the beginning of the semester, I’ve transitioned from a 3-year on-campus resident to a commuter living about 30 minutes away from school. While taking 18 credit hours, I work 38 hours/wk, which technically labels me as a full-time student and a full-time worker.

Busy? Definitely. Stressful? Very much. However, these experiences have so far taught me about how blessed I am. Blessed that I am one of very few individuals to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Blessed that I am one of very few individuals to be literate. Blessed that I am one of very few individuals to have a steady job. What more can I ask for? I am currently receiving higher education and also have a job that many people take for granted. Though carrying on these privileges may be tiresome, I try to reflect on the present global economy and how many people are struggling to overcome poverty and hardship.

Knowing that I am one of the few to have these privileges, I have solidified my dream during my time at Loyola. I feel that Loyola’s main vision is to find ways to give back to the community with what we have.

Consistent with this vision, I hope to give back to the community through my experiences here at Loyola and in the United States. The dream: the hope of building a better health-care system in Thailand, bringing comfort to the people through my good-will and passion.

So am I ready for life after college? Definitely.