u/Dramatic-Plane-5879

TL;DR if you’re lazy to read
My first year in CC I struggled with depression, second year I was able to recover strongly. Read last two paragraphs.

I moved to the US alone at the age of 16 to pursue CC. From my very first quarter until my fourth, I really struggled with major depression due to a lot of circumstances I underwent. It was until when I flew back home during Winter until Summer to reunite with my dad, and really take in the silence of being home alone. I reflected my values, my thoughts, and what I was it that I wanted to pursue in my life.

In that same time, I explored my interests. I previously thought I wanted to do CS, but when I figured it wasn’t for me, I tried gaining experience in the business and finance world, and it did make a shift in my passions.

When Fall came around, I flew back to continue my studies. Later this Summer, I will soon graduate from my associate’s degree in business and earn my HS diploma. I only applied to one university for fun. The reason I did not apply as a transfer to other universities for this Fall, is because they wouldn’t be able to see much of me. My transcript would be cut off until Fall 2025, and I know I could do more.

I was unserious in Microeconomics and will retake that to get a 4.0 since my CC replaces grades. I hope to at least graduate with a 3.60~3.65. If I didn’t “struggle” during my first year, AI predicted that my GPA could have been a 3.8~3.92 now 🥹

My current problem is this; I really dream to experience going to a prestigious/top university or ivy, but I think I would have stronger chances to apply for next year. During that gap, I think I should prepare for standardized testing and etc. I would like to hear your advice or suggestions on what else I could work on/improve. What are other opportunities should I reach for? Should I look for a job? Work on growing my financial literacy platform? What are your thoughts?

Here are some further details about my background and my EC’s; Until Winter ‘25, I was actively a part of my country’s national basketball team despite being in a different continent. As a part of this, I managed to travel to Australia, China, Bali, Singapore. Fall ‘24 - Winter ‘25 I played for Varsity Basketball and was a Honorable Mention for state. I did two Finance Summer Internships related to Equity Research & Equity Retail, and Asset Management back in my homecountry. I individually manage a financial literacy platform targeted for young women. I do independent stock market research & trading for my own portfolio. I am a part of my CC’s Student Government as a committee member to represent student voices to our college council. I am a part of an investment club, and I have contributed to its growth from engagement activities, financial literacy discussions, and student-event participation. I am a part of an entrepreneurship club, where me and the other only officer provide educational information and materials for events. I actively serve in my Church for multimedia, transportation, curating sermon slides, and become a greeter. I am a part of two financial literacy organizations, and serve as an education volunteer. I am in Phi Theta Kappa. Vice President’s List. Outside of that, I am a wellness and health freak. I have passion for my well-being and food science for my general health. I workout daily, I enjoy studying about both nutrition and food science in my free time.