“Eso no es nada en comparación con la inmensidad del océano.”
My mom likes to say that all of my problems are “insignificant in comparison to the ocean’s great immensity.” To be honest, now that I’m typing it out, I feel like it sounds more dramatic in Spanish. But, the takeaway is that something currently of major importance might be forgotten within the foreseeable future. And, oftentimes, this instance isn’t even intentional; it’s simply a part of change.
Change has been the only constant in my life lately besides Kw (if you understand this, I’m so sorry). But, I like to think that being an immigrant made me an adaptable person. There’s a certain type of irreplicable character development that comes with being interrogated every time you enter the country. However, that’s not to say that I haven’t had a hard time adjusting to college.
Fall quarter was a fever dream. Everything was hectic with no time to reflect on the irreversible development of independence. Days were short and nights were shorter with no concept of leisure time. Sometimes I wonder how I did it. Then, winter quarter felt like being thrown into still water. The current of freshness was somewhat gone, and I started to feel like a competent human again. I hit a substantial plateau that left me with questions about what the next quarter would feel like.
Spring quarter is different. It feels like chugging a CELSIUS energy drink before 8 A.M. biology, like adopting a phage from Elva, like watching Nobu finish a titration, like sporadic trips to Ikea with Becky, like sharing matcha bingsoo with Alley, like going to close my sock drawer and finding that Willow (cat) is staring back at me. It looks like my hair straightened on Monday mornings done by Nikki the night before, like Ashley’s waffles at the caf after chemistry, like going to the jacuzzi with Anne, and like Caleb’s un-webbed plate. It sounds like the faucet running as Gabbie and I finish our skincare before going to sleep, like a late-night therapy walk with Daphne while we scream sing Taylor Swift, and like trying to figure out if the song we’re playing is polyphonic.
Speaking of musical textures, The Arts has been a breath of fresh air to my schedule. It’s the one class where I know I won’t have to assume that x is insignificant or explain the endosymbiont theory. I enjoy learning about different art periods and styles and getting occasional flashbacks to my music conservatory years. The field trips are definitely appreciated, and going to visit the LACMA has become one highlight of my quarter. I thank Dr. Anderson infinitely for teaching us the importance of an aesthetic response in exchange for our TikTok knowledge.
I wish I could tell my fall quarter self that everything would fall into place (haha, get it?), explain to her the ways in which my efforts were worth it, and reassure her doubts. I would also advise her to stop waiting until Friday to do laundry because it’s just never a good idea. Besides that, I would also explain to her that we drink water now because Dr. Perumal said to… Well, except during lunch because you know that messes with the stomach’s pH.
I am proud to report that my walk up the hill is now steadier, fueled by the flow of growth. I’m not sprinting to the top anymore as I run out of breath, and I’m not pausing halfway to think about what’s coming next. I still occasionally falter in my steps, but I know I can make it. I can see myself reaching the top. And, after further analysis, I have decided that my mom was right, as she usually is. My problems from the first quarter seem silly, and my issues now take supreme precedence. This currently includes the conifer life cycle and before-change-after (BCA) tables. Suddenly, I find myself being reminded that this won’t be the case for much longer because it too will pass. And now, I understand that change is a necessary constant for development. The ocean of future opportunities and possibilities outweighs any problem or crisis I can have, and I can’t wait to see where the new current leads me.
–– Ester Peiro (Biology/Biochemistry, Class of 2025)