Marika Bierma
UW Class of 2022

Roots are the most essential part of every plant. They are delicate yet anchoring. They establish a base with which a plant stays grounded despite varying destructive forces. They are the pathways through which a plant receives dense nutrients necessary for growth and development throughout its entire lifetime. My experience here at the University of Washington thus far has paralleled that of a seedling: floating aimlessly through a world full of so many unknowns, determined to live freely yet absolutely terrified to forge a new path, and grappling to find a lush, nutrient-filled piece of land to settle and begin this journey called life. Nevertheless, my roots have been planted.

 

This first quarter has been one full of change. From friends to academics to life in general, I have experienced many firsts here at the University of Washington. Some have been exciting (my first Seattle Sounders game), others have been challenging (learning to coexist with a complete stranger), but most of these firsts have been terrifying: my first sub-par test score, my first time navigating a large public transportation system by myself, or my first time speaking to a professor. One thing that all of these firsts have taught me, though, is that I am capable of so much more than I believed I was. I am capable of mastering test-taking strategies in order to score twenty-five points above the average on my second midterm. I am capable of taking a bus to explore this new city that I get to call home. I am capable of having a fascinating discussion about the ethics of surrogacy with a professor on a Saturday morning at Cafe Solstice. This discovery has allowed me to gain confidence in all aspects of my life, further providing the nutrients that I need to plant my roots here at the University of Washington.

 

I have many interests outside of academics, and the UW has provided me with various opportunities to explore those interests with other like-minded people. The first RSO that I joined was the Husky Running Club. Running has been a stress-reliever for me over the past five years, and I have met some amazing people through the sport. The Husky Running Club has given me an outlet to blow off steam and to be able to roam the city with a great group of athletes. Next quarter, I hope to get involved in intramural sports as well, for I believe that exercising with a team would be another great way to stay active. A few of the other clubs that I am involved with include Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medical Honor Society and the UW Spanish Club. Both of these clubs are related to either my major or my future career goals, and they have allowed me to meet other students with the same dreams!

 

As my first quarter of college comes to a close, I am satisfied with the progress that I have made. I have gained so much knowledge and I have met numerous outstanding individuals with whom I cannot wait to grow with in these next four years. I have found my piece of land here at UW, and though my roots may eventually twist and tangle, I know that that is necessary in order to find the most optimal source of nutrients to sustain this life that I get to live.