Pensive
Lately, I’ve been awfully pensive – thankful for the opportunities I’ve received here (and continue to receive!) and actively mindful of the beauty of the world that surrounds me.
“Ineffable, adj. These words will ultimately end up being the barest of reflections, devoid of the sensations words cannot convey. Trying to write about love is ultimately like trying to have a dictionary represent life. No matter how many words there are, there will never be enough.” – David Levithan
Last weekend, my father visited campus for the first time since my family dropped me off for first year orientation. His visit forced me to confront who I was then and who I am now, as well as actively reflect on how much I’ve grown as a person since being accepted to Wellesley almost two years ago (has it really been that long?!).
Primarily, I found myself feeling grateful for meeting two people in particular: Ji Hyang Padma, the Buddhist Advisor and Director of Spirituality and Education, and Professor Jim Kodera, my First Year Advisor and (coincidentally enough) professor of my First Year Seminar.
I can think of many words to describe these two highly influential people, but the standout is definitely serendipity. I cannot tell you how many afternoons I spent walking Professor Kodera to his office after class, picking his brain about everything from faith and spirituality to Japanese international relations, or how many of his office hours I’ve attended seeking advice. Likewise, I cannot accurately express how fortunate I feel for crossing paths with Ji Hyang, a woman made of fortitude and resilience, who taught me when and how to take a step back and appreciate this lovely world that I am a part of. It is because of her that I listen to the rustling of the trees (and have begun to understand why that is my father’s favorite sound) and thank the colorful flowers lining Wellesley’s sidewalks simply for existing.
Because of them, two of many mentors I have here at Wellesley, I feel irrevocably changed, profoundly blessed, and inexhaustibly happy to be here. As midterms approach and my free time divides exponentially, I can only feel grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to grow at such an amazing place – like the little tree my class (the sophomores) just planted.
It makes you want to stop and appreciate everything, from your roots to your leaves, doesn’t it?
Your first Wellesley sibling,
Estefania