I vividly remember being anxious during my college search journey, as there are so many unknowns and first times that you will soon begin to experience. If you are feeling this way, know that you are not alone. This is a pivotal point in your life where you will step into a transformative process that will shape you not only as a student but also as an individual. I hope that by the end of this letter, you will not only feel more at ease about your next chapter but also feel enthusiastic about attending the University of Oklahoma.
It was a hot summer day in 2012 when I stepped foot on the campus of OU for the first time as a current student. I looked around as I saw many students excitedly walking toward their classes. As a freshman, I was overwhelmed. However, that sensation did not last very long. You see, all along South Oval were different on-campus organizations happily welcoming students onto campus. I was unsure of where to go for my first class. Without hesitation, an upperclassman pointed me in the right direction. The kindness and hospitality nurtured by this campus extended far beyond my first day of classes. Many years later, I am still greeted in the same way by advisors, students, and organizations that I built relationships with.
As a first-generation student and the proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, embarking on my university experience was my parents’ American Dream. My parents come from a humble background where they did not complete elementary school. Yet, they instilled in me the importance of education and perseverance. I understood very early on that to succeed in an environment where none of my ancestors walked, I needed to find a home away from home. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, those who would understand the challenges of the rigor of academics was essential. Thankfully, OU and the various organizations hosted on campus equipped me with the ability to find this network. I was a young student with many aspirations and potential waiting to be poured into. The University of Oklahoma saw that potential in me, just like they saw yours. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2016, the first in my family to do so. I am now an OBGYN resident.
I am confident that the University of Oklahoma is an ideal environment for your intellectual growth and innovation. Moreover, you will be provided opportunities to interact with students from all backgrounds, fostering a rich and diverse community. Likewise, the value of participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities from sports to student government, sorority, fraternity life, and volunteerism, is an important aspect of the University experience. When you join the OU family, you are joining a network of accomplished individuals who have impacted a variety of fields.
Your OU experience is not just about gaining knowledge; it is about personal growth, self-discovery, making memories, and if you resonated with my story, achieving generational breakthroughs. Embrace every opportunity, seek support when needed, be kind to yourself, and savor every moment. You have a bright future ahead. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey.
Boomer Sooner!
