7th
One of the reasons why I’m so terrified to leave San Diego is because of the people here. Most of the people that I choose to hang out with are people whom I feel I can be completely myself with. In fact, it is these people who have helped me grow so much during my time in college. So I worry that I will have to hold part of myself back with the people I meet/befriend/live with next year.
Today I realized that one of my most cherished friendships took all four years of college to build. All of the relationships that I have cultivated over my time here have taken time to grow. And I know that these relationships are going to last longer than many of my friendships have with people I knew in high school. Next year, I hope I can remember that patience is a virtue, and eventually I will have wonderful friends in my new town. I hope I remember how to be myself, and that I can be myself.
I try to think back to my time in Princeton. I met so many wonderful people there with the same love and passion for mathematics that I have. I try to remember how at peace I was with fellow mathematicians. I try to remember that although these people may not have understood me or where I come from, they understand my struggles in math and my dedication and love for the subject. I try to remember that these are the kind of people that will become my colleagues and friends over the next 5 years of my life. I try to remember that everything will be okay. One day at a time.
