Once upon a time, someone recommended that I begin my studies at Lake Land College before transferring to a university after two years. They believed it would be less overwhelming and a gentle introduction to the American culture for me as an international student.
To start off (so I get this off my mind😅), in all honesty, I joined the navigator mainly because I needed money, after all, if money were not required to survive, most people would not work. At the time I joined, it was the only job available on campus that was actively hiring and willing to take a student with no prior work experience. Luckily, it turned out to be a journalism position, and since I love reading and writing, it became a win-win opportunity.
At Lake Land, I have gone on trips I might never have experienced otherwise. I remember joining the Student Activity Board for the fun of planning events, decorating spaces, and watching people come together. There is something special about seeing a room full of students enjoying themselves at an event you helped create. Lake Land gave me friendships, the kind where you laugh until your stomach hurts, and one where you feel like family. Those connections are priceless.
I have made friends—some friendships ended, some drifted apart—but through it all, I found lasting connections. One of those friends now considers me a bonus sister, and her mother calls me a bonus daughter. That bond is one of the greatest gifts I have received in the past few years (whatever your definition of few is).
During my time here, I have also grown as a person and learned lessons that will stay with me:
Never judge a book by its cover. People are not always what they seem. Some people might be sweet on the outside, but that might not be the case on the inside. Some might seem standoffish and closed off, but they might be one of the sweetest people you ever meet.
As a background character in other people’s lives who “wear” headphones all the time, I have noticed how the illusion that I am lost in music gives people a sense of comfort. They speak freely and gossip about others with one another, ignoring my presence. And then, moments later, I watch the very person being gossiped about walk over and invite the gossiper(s) to lunch. That sight breaks my heart a little. But in my time here, I have realized that might just be what life is.
It does not make gossip right, but it reminds me that people are complicated, and sometimes all you can do is accept it and move forward. And there is nothing wrong with being picky with whom you get close and “all buddy buddy” with. Gossip happens all over the world, but Lake Land has taught me to always pay attention to the little things going on around and I might just learn valuable lessons from other people’s mistakes, shortcomings and experiences, both the ones they are aware of and the ones they are oblivious to.
I have also gained a little bit of experience in how the world works in terms of unfairness. I have been on the side of being favored over others, and I have also been on the side of watching someone else be favored because of their connections. I have experienced unfairness and, at times, been able to change the small things within my reach. I have also experienced being reprimanded, punished, or even retaliated against by “adultier adults” (I consider myself a Starter Pack Adult) for calling out unfairness, both toward myself and/or toward others who could not speak up. From this, I learned that standing up for yourself is important and you don’t have to feel bad about it. If despite that, due respect isn’t given, walk away.
When I think back on my time at Lake Land, it is not just lessons and challenges, there is laughter, adventures, and little moments that made college feel alive. I remember the trips I got to take, places I might never have gone otherwise. Each one felt like a small adventure, a chance to see more of the world.
Lake Land College was not just where I studied; it was where I grew up. It gave me a chance at independence, a community, discovering who I am and what I liked. I came in as a teenager, and I am leaving as a “Starter Pack Adult” who knows a little more about life, leadership, and myself.
Looking back, Lake Land was about growth, community, and joy. And yes, the weekly free food and giveaways proved that sometimes the little things are what makes college unforgettable.
