My Journey to UW Honors
Attending the University of Washington was not always my first plan. As I first contemplated my journey through college, I pictured myself at an institution far from home. As a result, much of my search for colleges focused on distant schools that would have fed my desire to independently explore the world around me (in weather other than the classic Washington rain). I originally applied to the UW because I knew it was a great school in my state that many others coveted in their search for the perfect university. Upon applying, I decided to fill out the Honors application because I thought the program sounded compelling and I wanted to leave my options open. At first, I didn’t quite envision myself attending UW. However, as decision day approached, I had an epiphany—Was I limiting my future choices for a chance to escape? I decided to reevaluate what I was looking to get out of my college experience. Taking another look at my options, I knew with a certainty that the University of Washington was the right place for me (a mere 40 minutes from my house in Renton). As I visited the campus, I felt like UW was a place where I could do anything, being a large school that has a path to follow for nearly any passion. In particular, I felt that UW was a place where I could foster my love for science, with its multitude of scientific departments, majors, and opportunities to get involved in research. Beyond that, the Honors program was another draw that led me to choose the University of Washington over other schools on my list. I saw the Honors program as yet another chance to find a community at my school, while also giving me an opportunity to challenge myself intellectually and grow as an individual. In my path towards the UW, I was significantly influenced by my parents. Throughout my college search, their unconditional support allowed me to feel free to choose the right fit in a school, rather than the schools that they might have initially seen me attending. The support of my friends through my initial indecision also helped me to feel confident in my final choice. At the UW and in Honors, I want to push myself to have the initiative to get involved in things even when I don’t have a solid plan for where they will turn out. I don’t want to miss out on finding a new passion or forming wonderful new friendships because I played it safe.