My name is Kayla Santel, I’m nineteen, (unfortunately I’ll be turning twenty this month) a writing major and my pronouns are she/her. Similar to most things during the pandemic that changed, I’m not too sure if I want to keep this major anymore but that’s for me to figure out in the future. I still love to write, get ear piercings (I have seven right now) do karaoke with my friends when all our schedules align and go to concerts. I’m just not sure if I want to follow my childhood dream of becoming a writer anymore and make a ‘career’ out of it, but the goal is to definitely have a job I love — but for now I just work in retail. This was supposed to be my last semester at bmcc but because I only took three classes my first semester, (I didn’t know you had to take four to be able to qualify for financial aid) my real last semester will most likely be in the Summer. It’s okay though, I’m not in a rush to finish college and I have no idea what the next steps are because I’m a very go with the flow spontaneous person, I’m not big on planning.
When I have to think about stuff I don’t like my mind tends to blank, or only trivial things really come up. I don’t like people who complain about the rain or snow, mustard, grammar nazis, or being late. (Despite being late everywhere my whole highschool career now I just show up really early everywhere and I honestly can’t figure out which is worse.) I’m from New York, more specifically Queens, I’ve lived here my whole life, but hopefully that will change when I move out. I’ve never traveled anywhere but when I finally do I would love to go to Malaysia or even Thailand, it’s a bit underwhelming having an empty passport. But I guess I really haven’t traveled because I’ve never really had the disposable income to do so. That and I don’t like being in places where I don’t know the language, I feel like that’s a complete disadvantage. I plan to learn the languages of the places I travel to in the future, atleast so I can be ‘beginner level.’ I actually have no idea how to put the reason why I chose this class into words but I’m truly excited to learn about the course itself.
Great to meet you, Kayla! I changed my major three times in undergrad and all three of my degrees are in different subject areas. Going with the flow certainly helps us deal with uncertainty and it helped me find a path I truly love. I hope you get to do all the traveling your heart desires and look forward to working with you this semester.
Hi Kayla, it is nice to meet you and thanks for sharing your story and thoughts. I certainly know that at times it can be frustrating not being sure about what your path is but like you mentioned, you have plenty of time to figure that out. The important thing is that you are definitely exploring those options through your college journey. I am 34 and going for a second career option so it is never too late! I love that you were so specific about getting ear piercings because so do I (I have six) although, it’s been like a decade since I last got any. I feel inspired to revisit it and think of a new one I’d like to get. I look forward to this class with you.
Hello Kayla, It’s totally okay to be confused. At BMCC I’ve changed my major three times. Yet, I’m still confused. Just know it’s never too late to make up your mind. I hope that you find the path that fits you best and it makes you happy.
Hi Kayla. Your comment on your dislike for “grammar nazis” stood out to me and it really made me laugh. I dislike those kind of people too, along with the term. The second word for obvious reasons; I don’t believe in using the term N*zi casually. There is also so much classism and racism behind policing and “correcting” how someone speaks. It displays an elitist mindset linked to one’s level of access to higher education. It is disturbing and unfortunate how common this still is in our society. 🙁