3 Embracing Authenticity
Kenneth Hardeman
The instant I set foot on campus as a freshman, I sensed the palpable shift in my environment. It was clear I was about to embark on a journey unlike any I had previously known. Living away from my parents for the first time – I was given a liberating, yet daunting taste of true independence. I had the freedom to navigate my path and face the consequences of my own actions, all without the immediate support of a familial safety net, which was both thrilling and intimidating. As I journeyed through this phase of life, I discovered a guiding principle that I live by every day – embracing and staying true to my authentic self.
For me, the transition period from high school to college was a whirlwind of confusion and mistakes. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that professors are not teachers. Homework is not handed to you at the beginning of class, and professors surely aren’t as personally invested in making sure you meet deadlines as they were in high school. The onus is on you now.
This new world of academic rigor and personal responsibility was new to me, and the pressures of making it to social functions and being involved on campus made it that much harder to manage my time effectively. It was during this period I began to realize the importance of being authentic to my own needs and desires, rather than succumbing to external pressures from friends or even my parents.
When I finally began to tune into my own strengths, weaknesses, and interests, things began to fall into place. I understood that college was not a one-size-fits-all journey. The choices we make, especially during the selection of a major, play a pivotal role in carving our unique path. My declared major is cybersecurity, and I didn’t declare it because it was popular or solely because it pays well. I chose cybersecurity because it genuinely interests me and fits with who I am as a person.
During my college journey, one of the most formidable challenges I encountered was the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis unexpectedly hurled most students into the realm of virtual learning, which was a completely novel environment for most. This new mode of education highlighted the crucial need for self-reliance and adaptability, skills that are integral not only to the college experience but also to life beyond academia.
Through these changes, I honed my flexibility and resilience, and learned to value my individuality even more. The pandemic underscored the unpredictable nature of life, reinforcing the idea that our ability to adapt – while maintaining authenticity – differentiates simple survival from genuine growth.
Another transformative aspect of my college journey has been my active participation in student organizations. I have held memberships in NSBE, NAACP, NPHC, and most notably, I proudly served as the president of the Alpha Delta Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. This opportunity allowed me to assert my leadership skills and uphold the values I cherish. In this role, I was again able to discover and develop my authenticity, rather than trying to fit into a certain mold, which resulted in a successful tenure.
Fundamentally, my experience at UTSA has been a continuous process of self-discovery and personal truth. Staying true to my passions, interests, and values has been instrumental in allowing me to be successful during my undergraduate career. As I near the end of my undergraduate journey, I cherish the lessons I learned, and I eagerly await the future. To incoming students, remember to embrace your authenticity. Let your individuality shine through your choice of major, your hobbies, and your actions. Remember, your greatest asset on this incredible journey is the simple, yet profound act of just being you.
