Same Place, New Adventures by Natalia Rubio

When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.  All I knew was that I wanted to work with people and that I was going to attend Baylor University.  I chose my major almost randomly and somehow managed to not change it my entire time as an undergrad.  As my senior year rolled in, I still hadn’t decided my next step.  I enjoyed my major, but never felt any passion for it.  The more I thought about my college experience, the clearer it became that my most joyous, most fulfilling moments came from my time spent with other students.  Soon after that realization, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in higher education.

With that decision made, I had to make another huge decision – find a higher education program.  I read about hundreds of programs across the nation, but only a few stood out.  I wanted a program that was academically rigorous, had a variety of assistantship opportunities, and was, of course, affordable.  Baylor’s HESA program had everything I was looking for, but I hesitated to apply.  Since I went to undergrad at Baylor, I felt a need to branch out.  I thought that getting my master’s at the same institution I received my bachelor’s was too safe.  As I narrowed my search, however, Baylor was one of the few, if not the only, institutions that offered full tuition remission, a two-year apprenticeship, and was known for its high academic standards.  Needless to say, I ended up applying and am now finishing up my first semester in the program.

As a graduate student, I experience different types of classes, significantly longer papers, and get to see the campus I have called home through a completely different lens.  But for every late night, there is a morning filled with classmates who are quick to share their knowledge of both student development theory and The Office.  For every not-so-great-grade, there is a professor who is offering their support.  For every stressful event, there is a team that has helped me set it up successfully.  Through it all, I have not once questioned my decision to attend Baylor once again.  It is exactly where I am meant to be and I am excited for all the new adventures it will send my way.