Being new somewhere is never easy; there's always a learning curve in which we figure out the right way to go about things over time. Starting college is no different. Being a fall semester freshman guarantees some confusion on how to "college." We all learned though and we're better now because we got through that unquestionably rough time. Reflecting back, I'll admit that I...
1. Took the longest route possible to classes.
I thought there was literally only one way to get to the Quad from my dorm. Not until a month or so later did I realize there were such things as short cuts and/or routes that are more direct.
2. Walked everywhere.
Because I didn't understand the bus system and had no idea what Bus Finder was, during my first semester you could catch me walking to Festival from The Village.
3. Arrived to classes 20 minutes early...
As I was unaware of how long it took to get to a building or because I wanted to make a good impression, I was always early. Since the beginning of the first semester of college, I've realized that it's completely acceptable to roll in to class as it's starting and that most professors don't even care if you're 20 minutes late.
4. Discovered a new food place every week that I had no idea existed.
I'd eat at the same two places every single day without considering the idea that there were so many more places to get better food.
5. Ate the same food item so many times I made myself hate it.
Literally had either a quesadilla or sushi every single day for the first two months and now I can't look at either without my stomach turning.
6. Called buildings/dining locations by the wrong name.
It takes a while to learn the jargon of JMU. May or may not have called Top Dog "Top Dukes" for the first few weeks.
7. Spent all my first semester dining by Thanksgiving Break.
"Dad, can you add some flex? I kind of spent all my dining on cake pops from Starbucks..."
8. Spent all my saved money on food and random things that go to waste.
Those weekly Walmart trips we took during first semester drained my bank account and only led to a snack drawer full of the food that I never actually ate. I also bought a sled (used once), like 20 Redbox movies, and about 14 different hair products that don't do anything. Frugality is a learned habit..I've not quite nailed it, but I'm getting better!
9. Neglected going to the gym.
I think I went to UREC a total of three times first semester. I didn't believe the Freshman 15 existed until it was too late.
10. Attempted to actually get work done on the second floor of Carrier.
I had no idea that there were quiet sections other than the stacks. All I'd heard about the stacks led me to believe that it was a scary place in an unknown location where you couldn't cough without getting shushed.
11. Bought all the textbooks my classes recommended...
And proceeded to use probably two of them consistently (if that).
12. Tried to write down every word professors said in lectures.
Soon I learned how to pick and choose important points. Solid note-taking skills are underrated until we get to college.
13. Actually had hope that enrollment would go well.
Honestly, I still haven't learned my lesson on this one. Every semester I have such high expectations as I fill my shopping cart, only to be let down time and time again by JMU enrollment. Most stressful event of each semester's end--I'd argue worse than finals.
14. Underestimated the magnitude of finals.
Tests in high school are a joke; we were not prepared for the intensity of finals. Weeks beforehand studying, Carrier packed to capacity all hours of the day, overly caffeinated students as far as the eye can see, all leading up to exams that literally make or break your grade. We had no idea.
15. Thought everything would be a lot easier.
I never knew how much responsibility came with the freedom of college. I have to motivate myself? Regulate my own spending? Talk to adults instead of my parents emailing?
16. Thought everything would be a lot harder.
Despite having to adjust to the reality of all of these aspects of college, it all came pretty naturally after a short amount of time. JMU truly feels like a home to me now, and it continues to surprise me day after day with new things to learn and experience--I wouldn't have it any other way.
