I had never been as nervous as I was before December 14th, 2023.  

I wasn't trying to make it a big deal, but I knew what it meant: my first college decision. It wasn't just any college decision; it was my early decision school, Cornell University. I set up my phone to record, just in case. I kept telling myself everything would work out as it should. But as the clock hit 7 PM and I logged into the applicant portal, my heart was beating out of my chest. 

"Dear Chelsea," 
My screen filled with confetti. 
"Congratulations!" 
The alma mater began playing. 
"You have been admitted…" 
I froze. I could not believe what I saw.  
"to the College of Arts and Sciences" 
My eyes widened, and they began to fill with tears. Is this real? 
"For the fall of 2024." 
I burst into tears. 
In front of me sat, in writing, not only the hard work I dedicated to getting into college but also the hard work of my parents, who worked tirelessly and sacrificed everything to provide me with a better future.  
 
I didn't waste any time planning, from building my Amazon wishlist to carefully editing a Pinterest board with dorm inspo. To say I was excited was an understatement. But beneath the excitement, I was scared. I was beginning a new chapter in my life. The unknown terrified me. I was overwhelmed by the process of navigating friendships, how and where to go for help, how to navigate classes, and, more importantly, life on my own, away from my parents.  
 
That fear followed me onto campus. 
 
It seemed that everyone had it all figured out. I found it easier to stay in my dorm and keep to myself. I was afraid to take up space. It was soon that I realized I would be missing out on a crucial part of my college journey if I stayed in my comfort zone, namely meeting new people and being presented with new opportunities.  
 
As the days went by, I began to settle in. Cornell's ClubFest helped me find student organizations and join extracurricular activities. I joined the Cornell University Diversity Admissions Ambassadors (CUDAA), where I connected with other students to help ensure that everyone at Cornell is seen, supported, and empowered. The Latinx Student Empowerment group provided a space to study during finals week and bond with fellow students who reminded me of home. It did take some time to adjust, but as the school year went on, that fear of the unknown became my strength. The same uncertainty I faced at the beginning of my first year became the very thing that pushed me to achieve higher.  
 
Coming to campus taught me that I should and can take up space. I carry resilience, gratitude, and determination in everything I do. The story I tell is not just my own but also holds the sacrifices, hopes, and strength of everyone who came before me.  
 
To the Class of 2029: My one piece of advice to you is you don't need to have it all figured out. I encourage you all to try a little bit of everything and see what sticks. You are here for a reason. In the words of author Glennon Doyle, "If you can't beat fear, do it scared."