When I started college at a four-year university, I expected to succeed. I thought I would pass my classes, make friends, and enjoy college life. I chose marine science because I loved animals and thought it was the perfect way to turn that passion into a career. I was confident I had made the right choice. But soon, reality hit. Things didn’t go as planned, and I began to feel like I had made a mistake.
At first, I believed passion alone would get me through college. I thought loving animals would make marine science easy. But I struggled with the classes, especially math and science. I felt like everyone else was doing fine while I was falling behind. I was homesick, overwhelmed, and felt like I did not belong. Eventually, I was placed on academic probation. That was when I realized the school and major were not the right fit. I started looking into other options, trying to figure out where I can realistically succeed. That’s when I came across community college as a way to rest without giving up on my education entirely. It felt like the best decision for me.
I decided to transfer to Pasadena City College after doing a lot of research on my own. It was a tough choice, but it made sense. I needed a fresh start. I didn’t use any campus resources or talk to advisors at the time, but looking back, I wish I had. It could have helped me feel more supported. I chose kinesiology as my new major because I ran cross country and thought becoming an athletic trainer could be a great path. I was excited to try something new, but the same issues came back. I still could not pass the science and math classes. My motivation dipped again, and I started wondering if stepping away from school might be the right choice for now.
Instead of giving up, I started researching other majors at PCC. I considered digital art, since I was part of a digital arts academy in high school. But it didn’t feel right. Then I looked into business administration. Something clicked. Classes like business law and marketing sparked my interest. I started picturing myself working in sports marketing or even running my own business. At first, it was my mom who helped me go through different majors and figure out which ones might be a better fit. That’s how I started considering being a business major. Then I talked to an academic counselor who took time to really listen and suggested I look deeper into marketing and entrepreneurship. What really made it click for me, though, was something unexpected: The Sims 4. I found myself managing in-game businesses and building marketing plans for fun. I even turned one idea into a real project, entered it into a competition, and became a semi-finalist. That made entrepreneurship feel real. The classes were still challenging, but they felt more manageable and more connected to what I truly cared about. I’m doing better, passing my classes, and feeling confident I will be off academic probation.
I used to think passion alone would carry me through college, but I’ve learned it takes more than that. It’s about finding a path that fits your interests, strengths, and the support around you. That’s what helped me stay motivated and start enjoying school again. I learned that changing direction is not failure. It is growth.
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Summer graduated from Pasadena High School in 2022 and is currently a second-year student at Pasadena City College (PCC), majoring in Hospitality Management. As a first-generation college student, Summer’s journey toward higher education began through her involvement with CAP from middle school to high school. CAP played a pivotal role in guiding her through the college application process, and she even had the opportunity to lead a workshop during high school, where she shared her experience and offered advice to peers navigating their own paths to college.
Summer is actively engaged in campus life, participating in clubs such as The Wildlife Society and Associated Students. She also serves as a student ambassador for both PCC and the Angel City Women’s Football Club. Looking ahead, Summer plans to transfer to a four-year university, where she intends to major in Business Marketing with the goal of becoming a sports marketer at the professional level.