Moving On

"Be careful the environment you choose, for it will shape you"- W. Clement Stone

I've been shaped for five years at Texas A&M University. I have learned how to be a strong adviser, an advocate, a voice, a listener and someone who believes in social justice. I have found the importance in believing in people and in the power of giving. I have learned how to believe in myself as an educator and how to place others before myself. The last five years have developed my interests in marketing, graphic design, diversity education and cupcake creations. While I only had planned on residing her for two years during graduate school, the university roped me in and five years later I am still calling Aggieland home.

But not anymore.

The new environment I hope will shape me is one I found great strength in. One where I learned how to ensure I am staying true to myself and one where I found peace of mind in nature. Flagstaff, AZ will soon be my new home and I will be able to serve the university I hold so dear in my heart.

Trees, snow, mountains, lakes and nature await me as I move into this next life chapter. While much of me is excited and thrilled about this opportunity, I also feel sadness about leaving the students I built such strong connections with. These students who have shown me how to be a better adviser, these students who have shown me leadership and the power of selfless service, these students who have continued to work through their identities only to become more proud and comfortable within themselves, these students who make me believe in the good in life.

As happy as I am to be making this transition I am recounting all the massive amounts of giggling that has ensued here. From Casa Rodriguez nights, Sweet Eugene's chats, screams of equality to musical nights. I've moved from California to Arizona to Texas and now back to Arizona. As easy as transitioning should be for me, I still take great issue with goodbyes.