Many people say that college is some of the best days of your life. For some, this holds true; for others, they may struggle to fit in and hit their stride. While a college degree holds significant social meaning and promises success, the academic world is full of contradictions and inequalities. We must acknowledge these inequalities in order to achieve our full potential. This workshop will highlight Alex's journey finding meaning and happiness at IC and beyond. He is currently a first-year Sociology PhD student at the University at Albany, SUNY.