Blog 6: Discourse Community Immersion

My immersion into a college academic discourse community might be similar to some peoples. Since I’m from San Diego, a lot of people from my high school, ones I actually knew and ones I just knew their face, also attended San Diego State. I remember the first couple days of freshmen year was just saying hi to every familiar face I saw. At one point there were a couple of us talking and someone joked, “What is this a Mira Mesa High School reunion?!”

I knew this was an academic discourse community I had no choice but to join because of the way I was raised. My dad was born into a low class family in Mexico and came to the United States at the age of five knowing no English. He knew in high school that he haaad to go to college so he wouldn't end up like the people he grew up around, either in prison, dead, or working hard labor for the rest of his life like his father had to. 

My dad was the first in his family to graduate from college, from SDSU of course, with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. Knowing what a struggle life could be from an early age, my parents engrained, and I mean engraaaaained in me that college wasn’t an option, it was MANDATORY.

When I was younger, I guess I never questioned it, like yeah yeah I’ll go to college. It seemed like the most logical thing to do. I remember when it was time to fill out applications junior year of high school and I thought, “what if I don't even want to go?” YEAH RIGHT, I could never say that out loud, especially in front of my dad unless I wanted a lecture on how important a college education was and the “what are you going to do with your life then” talk. I had already had enough of those through the process of the engraining I mentioned to where I would just sit there and zone out, so I didn't need anymore.

I just did what I was told as far as making the decision to go to college. Even picking a major, I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Some of my friends loved reading and writing so they knew they wanted to do journalism. One is an artist, so she picked graphic design. Me, I don't knowwwww. I hate English and like Math, so nothing with a lot of words, preferably more numbers. My dad, again, would always mention computer science was the next up and coming major. Something you’ll never have a hard time finding a job with! Okay sure, I mean I’m pretty good with computers and technology, I have a technical thinking mind, why not.

Thank god I actually ended up like computer science because if I didn't I don't know what I would be studying! An added bonus is that my boyfriend is also a computer science major. (It’s so embarrassing when people learn that and they’re like AW THAT’S SO CUTE! Lol awk.)

I definitely set my priorities when it comes to school. I’m somewhat of an overachiever, like I have this thing where I just can’t half-ass things. It makes me so uneasy knowing I didn't fully complete or finish something. Although I procrastinate like it's nobody’s business! I actually think I’m getting better because I learned my lesson quite a few times freshmen year. I’m sure you all know what I mean…

Now a story on how I had to balance school and family:

I remember this past Mother’s Day. It was the week of finals and I had my computer science final the next day on Monday. Every year, we go to LA and have brunch with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, everyone. Well I could not just not study for my huge final the next day!!! So I studied on the 2-hour drive up of course. My brother didn't even come with us because he too had tests that week. I would feel bad for both of us not to be with our mom on Mother’s Day so I made sure I made an effort to go. When we got to the restaurant everyone was late despite that they all LIVE in LA and we drove from San Diego! -_-  All I could think was I could be studying right now…… I awkwardly ended up eating before everyone else and then sat in the car for the rest of time to study. Of course I would have loved to sit with my family and just talk and relax, but I just couldn't because of the demand of what it means to be in college and get good grades. My parents didn’t even mind that I was absent the whole day because they get that’s just what needs to be done.

I ended up getting an A in that class plus an internship opportunity with my professor so it was all worth it in the end!

Okay I think I’ll be done now,

--Victoria