Well, here it is. You're nearing final exams, graduation, and free food at grad parties from people you haven't talked to in who knows how long. The end of senior year seemed so far away until it hit you that you're graduating in a few simple weeks, and college is right around the corner. You're eager for the future, but also nervous for what's to come. I say this because this was exactly how I felt just one year ago. This time last year, I had just made my college decision and was trying to plan hanging out with all of my friends as much as I could before we all went our separate ways.
On the day I had to move in, I remember leaving my hometown in tears. I can confidently say I had never been so sad to leave my friends and family (and my cat) than at that dang moment. I am also not a huge fan of change, and college is obviously a huge change. To make things even worse, I had to move in early (thanks, band camp), so my summer was shortened by a couple of days. That wasn’t really a big deal, but since I had been stressing out about my marching band audition so much, I didn’t actually realize until after they were finished that once auditions were over, college was actually happening and that I was going to be here for the next nine months.Luckily, I made it in the Cornhusker Marching Band, and about halfway through fall semester, I got a bid for a sorority. As time went on and my extracurricular activities increased, I realized that I was actually surviving my first year of college. Along with classes going well, I had made a lot of friends, and had also grown closer to friends from high school that I hadn't hung out with prior to this year.
However, there were still times where I struggled in college. The first time I had to eat by myself in the dining hall was stressful because apparently I thought I was being judged for being alone (I was clearly overreacting). I had also signed up for a class that required volunteering hours, requiring me to figure out the bus routes in a city I was unfamiliar with so I could get to my volunteering place promptly--and public transportation is scary. I’ve conquered classes that I didn’t have interest in, along with writing a plethora of papers throughout the year, ranging from two pages to 15 pages. All within my first year here.
Along with the pros and cons I’ve experienced, I’ve also realized there are a lot of things I’m going to miss this summer. Trumpet 8-Ball nights in the game room never failed to bring out my competitive side, 'The Bachelorette" nights with the guys (yes, the guys and I) every Monday definitely had everyone hooked by the end, and even hanging out with sorority sisters on weekends was something I enjoyed a lot. It’s strange to think everyone I’ve come to know is going back to their hometowns in less than two weeks, and I won’t get to see them as often as I do now.
You’re probably asking, where am I going with all of this? Other than the fact that I was going through nostalgia as I was writing, I want you to know that college isn’t as difficult as it may appear to be. There will be great times, and there will be times where you don’t want to deal with the world. You’ll make friends who will be there for a semester, and you’ll make friends that you know you’ll be with for a long time. But in the meantime, be sure to make this summer one of the best ones you’ll have, for it will be both great and sentimental.
College is one of the greatest things I’ve experienced. I wouldn’t change a thing about my first year, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next three years.
So, to the high school senior who is afraid of change, it’s going to be alright. To the high school senior who is eager for a fresh start, I don’t think you’ll be let down.Congratulations, and good luck! You’ve got a lot to look forward to.
