On November 19, 2023, I submitted my last ever college application. After months of writing late into the night, editing meticulously, and receiving valuable feedback from the generous Andy Evans, I pressed submit. Away those pesky UC essays went.
Upon seeing the bright yellow “Good Job!” screen, I felt an emotion I did not expect—panic. I realized that I had to spend the next four months waiting.
As the worrying set in, I tried to suppress my desires of getting accepted to the school. You get in where you are meant to go, right? While such a saying holds great truth, I have found that the maxim does not relieve the anxiety of anticipation. Thus, rather than spending the upcoming months stressed about acceptances and rejections, I have chosen to focus on a less serious, but just as pressing matter. Wherever I go, what will I wear?
On cloudy days, I dream of attending the prestigious UC San Diego. Seven miles away from the sandy coast, the school has high rankings nationally and globally. Whether I am studying or surfing, at UCSD, I would be living in style. You would find me in my Birkenstocks, swim trunks, and a cool vintage tee. I would have to part with my beanie collection down in SoCal, but for a school like UC San Diego, I would not mind at all.
Meanwhile, on days when the warm weather is missing my true sun, Lia Gonia, I dream of attending the University of Washington. Graduated from Seattle University, my super cool older sister lives in the Evergreen State. Since her freshman year, she has sent me a plethora of cold weather “fit-checks.” Replicating her cozy Seattle outfits, I would master the art of fashion in below-freezing temperatures. Puffer jackets, Dr. Martens, thick scarves—UW would force me to bundle up. Maybe this fall, I will don a royal purple hoodie, finally living near my sister again.
Perhaps my attention to jackets and accessories seems silly. For the record, factors in my college decision will not include sandals versus boots, or tanks versus sweaters. At the end of the day, fashion is the least of my long-term concerns. But for now, I will spend my time dreaming of swimsuits and ski-jackets.