Goodbye SJ

S A N  J O S E, C A L I F O R N I A 

In 2014, I came to SJSU to get an education and I recently graduated this past May.  SJ has been my home for the past five years and it has now come to an end.  Within the last five years, I went through some of my best and worst moments, experienced some eye-opening shit, and met some amazing people.  

I came to SJSU with briefly knowing my roommate since we went to the same high school, and a friend I had here at the time.  I lived 400+ miles away from home and I was ready for the extra freedom.  I lived on campus my first year and I think it was by far the best decision I could’ve ever made.  I got my first tattoo and went to my first rave.  I did many late boba runs and game nights.  There were many DC (Dining Common) trips and yes, Freshmen 15 was real.  For all the times, I got drunk in dorm rooms and almost got caught and that one time, I blacked out and woke up in a shower. [Thank goodness, I’m alive].  I went to my first tailgate, lost my retainers and looked like milk (those that know, know).  There was even a time my roommate and I got fishes for no reason.  And when December would come around, it was time for Christmas in the Park; which soon became a yearly thing.  I came into my first-year meeting so many people.  That year I meet my best friends now whom, I love and cherish.  We all graduated this past year and it was so heartwarming yet so heartbreaking.  I was happy for all of us because we started and ended together, but sad. Sad because I’m sitting here thinking when the next time will be, we see each other again.  I come to realize it won't be 2-3 months, how it would be sometimes because of summer.  We all moved to different parts of the country and I hope we all keep our word to go on vacation once a year to see each other. You guys helped me grow and I cannot thank you guys enough.  I value our friendships and I know we will be reunited together again.

I lived on campus for 2.5 years.  I was lucky enough to get paired up with two girls who were some of my fav roommates.  I spend some of my best time with them.  We had a lot of “Mo-Pleasure,” “Chief Liz,” and “Ling Ling” moments. I grew close to one of them since my second year.  And thank you for all your advice and support, but most importantly thank you for birthing my baby niece. You’re a great mom, dude! I will miss all the Wingstop and boiling crab outings. Within those years I lost friends, failed my first class, and joined Greek Life.  Thankful for all the after-school adventures from going to eat to batting cages to Chuck E Cheese to even watching indoor soccer games.  To the time we drove to San Diego and back in less than a day while stopping in LA.  Especially when I gained a home away from home.  Lived freely when house parties became a thing.  The fun was fun.  Let’s also never forget when broke my foot partying (if you know, you know), I was known as “scooter girl.”  It was one of the dips of my college experiences, but a funny story to tell now.   

In San Jose, I got my first job.  I was poor poor with only $20 in my bank account.  I ate a cup of noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days.  I valued a piece of bread.   I got stalked.  There were a lot of pho runs.  There was a lot of anger at some point and tears.  I felt betrayed.  My obsession with makeup started.  My home away from home was there for me through my toughest times. I would like to say they saw me at my lowest lows.  I gained a whole family, whom I’m so grateful for. Thank you to the family that took me in as one of their own.  Thank you for allowing me to come to your house without knocking.  For opening the doors to me and feeding me during my toughest times.  Thank you for expecting me to be there for birthdays and letting me spend thanksgiving with you guys.  I am forever grateful you considered me as your daughter and sister.  I love you all forever. 

My lowest low was when I ended up moving back home for a semester.  I’ve talked about it many times, but I’m happy that that was when I decided to start my blog. 

Before continuing at State, I went to New York with my pledge sister and it was by far my favorite place.  I came back to State feeling better than ever.  Yes, many meltdowns happened but I always came on top.  I moved to an apartment which was my home for my last two years. Some friendship grew apart and some grew strong.  USFC Nights were poppin.’  Banda Nights became a thing and after Banda Nights there were the taco truck runs.  Where my only two spots to eat were Bdubs or Pho.  Where target runs were being down every other day.  Having the memory of La Tree going to a rave together.  Celebrating so many birthdays and the majority of them getting out of hand.  Looking back at all the memories and I’m happy I got to experience going to two soccer games, seeing Banda MS for the first time and plenty of first-timer concerts.  A memory that I won't miss was spending money on my worst habits. 

During my last year, it was different.  Maybe because I knew once July 2019 was here, I was leaving? In Aug 2018, a friend/5th roommate passed away and it affected me in a way I didn’t think it was.  That was a real unexpected goodbye.  As the year was going by, I began to calm down. I came to my five senses and began getting my shit together x3.  I began focusing on myself and friendships that I hold close to my heart.  I loved that I began a professional job and I saw myself grow from it.  My last year was the hardest as well and I feel like I touched upon that.  However, I made it on top.  I came to SJSU and graduated and I guess my time here is done. 

By the time you’re reading this, I have already left SJ and living back at home. 

So let’s get to the main event: I want to say thank you to all the people I met and impacted my life one way or another. Thank you for all the adventures, cries, rants, laughter, love and support. Thank you, SJ for allowing me to branch out. I shared the best moments of my life with you and the majority of you guys helped me when I was at my worst. I knew that at the end of the day I could count on you. Moving to San Jose was the best impulsive decision I have ever made AND I know I will eventually see you all, but until then it’s a goodbye from me. THANK YOU and HUGE THANK YOU TO: 

Steph, Constance, Marilyn, Sydney, Cristian, “The Boys,” Angie, Passerotta, Lil Yaro, Magz, My Big, The Vargas Family, P.Mom, Moni, Tere, Gaby, Baby P, Mo-P, Danika, Marco (R.I.P), Deyo, Bebe, Emmanuel, Alycia, Ana, Ashley, Nick and Ryan.