Rocío's Work

Rocío's Reflection

This has been a difficult project for me to finalize just because there is so much that has derived from my time here at Odyssey. There has been a significant amount of time and thought that I have put into this for both semesters. This is just touching the surface of my learning journey and personal growth with confidence. Through this archive, I hope to briefly showcase the depth of my understanding, which has empowered me to search deep within myself, be true to who I am and learn my history, and leave behind a bit of my personal story. Also, I have learned that we need to dig to search for answers and learn from different literature, not just live life with the image of what we have been taught. It requires many different pieces to put together the full story, not just what we construct from one lesson or reading. We are just merely one piece of the puzzle. I imagined looking at this in fifty years trying to remember some of the things I did, who was there, where my mind was at, what made me smile, what were some of the things that changed my life overall.

The decision process involved reflecting on what resonated most with my academic and personal development. I unknowingly grew up in a very traumatic and abusive home, and I faintly recall writing my feelings and my emotions in high school. That was my escape from the world at the time, so it felt natural to me to write a poem in summation. I also chose pictures that not only highlight my academic achievements and my experiences but also embody the internal and external transformation I navigated through various challenges and discoveries. At the end of the day, some of the things that carried me through rough times. 

I reflected on the question, "How has my educational journey shaped my identity?" This question was pivotal because it allowed me to examine the intersection of my academic experiences with my personal growth, helping me understand how my time at Odyssey has influenced who I am today. I am comfortable with being authentically myself in various spaces and allowing myself to question and share my thoughts and opinions without conviction.

My archive evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment. It serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication I have invested in my education. It also brings a feeling of gratitude for the opportunities and support I received, which were instrumental in my success. It provides a little bit of who I am and moments that were meaningful and impactful.

From past experiences there have been times when I went to the wrong people, and I listened to them when they told me I didn‛t belong here, and I should go to a community college. Which is why time at Odyssey fills me with a sense of fulfillment and empowerment. The supportive environment and diverse learning experiences have enriched my knowledge and broadened my perspectives, making me feel prepared and confident to tackle future challenges. And knowing that it is ok to ask for help when I am lost and confused, no matter how old I am. I want to convey that my experience at Odyssey has been transformative. It provided me with not only academic knowledge but also life skills that are invaluable. The faculty have been incredibly supportive, fostering an environment where I could thrive and realize my potential. The interaction and dialogue that emerged from the discussions have helped me think outside the box and beyond my comfort zone. I have surpassed many things that I didn‛t even fathom being possible.
“Think Again” is continuous and a neverendingly phase that will force me to always think deeper. First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for carrying me through when I didn’t think I had anything left. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Odyssey who contributed to my journey. The friendships I have formed, the individuals I have met and the lessons I have learned will remain with me for a lifetime. I am excited to share that I have made it a personal goal to value my self-worth and have been prioritizing myself. As a result, I am dedicating time to my physical, emotional and mental health. I have enrolled in additional classes at the U of I and will continue growing both personally and professionally.

Also, last but not least, I thank God for leading me to Mariana Ortega who cared enough about a stranger to change the trajectory of my life and remind me that “I AM EXACTLY WHERE I NEED TO BE.” I will never take this part of my journey for granted. It will definitely remain in my heart today, tomorrow, and always.

Rocío's Work