Saying goodbye to the Center

BY WALLY AURELIO GALLART (MALAS 2022)

When I started the MALAS program back in August of 2020, I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that I aspired to take full advantage of the opportunity I had been given. But the first two semesters were some of the most daunting times of my academic career. At times I wondered if I belonged. The grind and the demands associated with being a graduate student felt overwhelming, and the pandemic-related challenges didn’t help. I wanted to give up, but a voice inside me kept reminding me to keep going, and that I needed to be persistent.

Even with the obstacles, I was still able to excel inside the classroom and be the student that I wanted to become. The Center provided me with the tools I needed to be successful, and I have felt their full support through this journey. Yet, what brings the biggest smile to my face isn’t the academic success, it’s the memories I’ve created outside of it. Without a doubt, this past year has been one of the best periods not only in my academic career, but in my life. I’ve savored every second, and cherished all the small things we often take for granted. I have enjoyed the library meet-ups with friends, running into them in the breakroom, the pep talks I would give them to keep going, and to stay positive. I also enjoyed soaking up the sun at Plaza of Americas… my favorite way to procrastinate and neglect responsibilities! It was all the small moments that added up and accumulated to make this journey memorable.

I’ve been surrounded by people who care deeply about me as a student, but most importantly desire to see me soar as a human as well. I feel blessed to have been in the position that I was in for the past two years. I am fortunate to say that when I reflect on this time, I will remember this stage of my life fondly.

I’ll conclude with this: my research centered on the right to the city. This idea that we all should have a say in shaping the city after our heart’s desire and to dictate the urban process. Yet, to me, it goes beyond just urban planning. It should be applied to our lives as well. To dictate your urban process is to take control of your life. To do what is best for you. I want others to be motivated and encouraged to pursue whatever it is that they are passionate about. To maximize their abilities and become the person they dream of becoming.

As I pen my last goodbye to the amazing staff, friends, classmates, committee, professors, and supervisor I have had at the Center all I can say is thank you! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this period of my life with you. ◆