From Urban to Rural Life

As I sit down to reflect on my experiences, I am reminded of all the curveballs life has thrown at me. Growing up as the youngest of five siblings in North Bend, Washington, life was always an adventure. Our house was a whirlwind of arguments, tears, and laughter.

Visits to my mother's hometown in eastern Oregon were rare but always amazing, offering a reset from the urban trudge. Surrounded by the tranquility of small-town life and surrounded by family, I felt a sense of calm and belonging that always seemed to elude me anywhere else. But inevitably, the weekend would end, and we would have to drive five hours back to reality.

It was during one of these drives in December 2022 that I had a moment of clarity. As I gazed out the window at the passing scenery, I realized that I no longer wanted to be a passive observer of my own life. The night we got home, I opened my laptop and applied to Eastern Oregon University. It was a decision fueled by equal parts fear and excitement, and I remembered a quote that I now live by, “If it excites you and scares you, that's how you know it's right.”

The days turned to weeks, and December gave way to the promise of a new year. With each passing moment, as I waited for a response, I was filled with anticipation and anxiety, but I knew that even if I wasn’t accepted, I had decided on a brighter future.

When the acceptance letter arrived, I set out for my new adventure. As I have settled into my new life at Eastern Oregon University, I often find myself reflecting on the quote that inspired me to leap: "If it excites you and scares you, that's how you know it's right." Those words became a guiding light, a reminder that growth often lies on the other side of fear.

Today, almost a year into my double major in Business and Marketing, I am filled with gratitude and fulfillment. Everything is finally starting to click into place, and I am trying to embrace every moment of this life with open arms. I am so grateful that, through the college, I am a part of an incredible community of like-minded individuals in NMGZ. Through shared experiences and mutual support, I have found a sense of belonging and camaraderie that has become a new fuel for my journey.