David Dellica

| Cultural Chair 2017-2018 |

Class of 2018

JANUARY 2021

College was many firsts for me and I’m sure I can say the same for a majority of you. Whether it be the first time we moved away to a new city or the first time we were going to have to make decisions as an adult, we can all agree that college is truly more than just an educational experience. I realize now that college was a safe space to truly create, shape, and grow into who and what you want to be. While I could go on and on about all my experiences, the most important thing I wanted to share is also one of the most cliche: It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. I say this because I personally did not fully realize that until I graduated. I can remember many times throughout undergrad where I’d often be stressing about whether or not I was making the right choice by joining organizations or wondering if something was worth my time. Looking back, I can see how everything I chose to do definitely contributed to where I am today because it gave me experiences to take on the real world.

After college, I took some time off before pursuing more education. I worked with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients for a while and after that, I worked in administration for a medical clinic. The takeaway from those jobs that amazed me the most was that while my education did help me in some ways, the reason I was confident enough to know I could handle anything that came my way or eventually learn how to, was because of my college experience. I’m talking about teamwork, working under pressure, connecting with your coworkers, thinking on your feet when there’s an emergency, accepting and learning from your mistakes, and so much more. I am so grateful that in some way, shape, or form, I experienced similar situations in college, especially Katipunan!

The last thing I wanted to share is powerful advice that I learned recently due to COVID-19. This pandemic has been hard for my family. Not only had my mother been diagnosed with cancer, but I also lost some loved ones, lost people in my life, and honestly, I even lost myself. However, I remember sitting in my backyard sharing about how miserable I felt with one of my cousins and he told me something I’d never, ever forget: “Pay attention to the people God is putting in your lane right now.” What he meant by that was, sometimes we expect certain people in our lives to be there for us when times are hard, especially now. However, the people right now who are effortlessly and selflessly being there for you, celebrating you, and cherishing your very existence are the people you should recognize more than the people who you had hoped would be there for you. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel alone during this time. I promise you, the universe will provide you with loved ones if you take a step back and look around to find those who have been there the entire time. 

All that being said, instead of worrying too much about whether or not you’re doing the right thing by investing in this or that, I say put all of that energy into making sure you get everything you want from that experience and more! Don’t let anyone or anything make you doubt that where you are right now is not where you’re supposed to be. Use all the gifts and talents you were given to keep exploring more and more about yourself. Not only will you surprise yourself, but you’ll find that everything you did, big or small, will benefit you and serve as powerful tools that will take you so far once you begin life after college.

BIO: I joined Katipunan my second year of college. I was the lead for PCN in 2017 and Cultural Chair for 2018. I graduated in 2018 in Biology. I previously worked at a facility for Alzheimer and Dementia patients. Currently I work in administration for a medical clinic and am attending nursing school. I enjoy writing, cooking, and being active outdoors. I hope everyone is taking the time to be gentle with themselves and keep their loved ones close.

Email - davidjosephdellica@gmail.com

IG - davidviday