This past Sunday, I embarked on the journey famously known as, "Move-In Day" at Northeastern State University. After I'd gotten my schedule, gotten my meal plan, room assignment and met my roommate, Bailey Wyckoff, I was itching for the day to arrive. For months, I counted down the days as they slowly crept nearer. Then, I blinked.
The night before had arrived.
The next thing I knew, I was packing most of my belongings into various tubs, bags, and boxes, and loading them into the back of my dad's truck, while the smaller essentials were placed in the backseat of my tiny car. That night, I stayed awake in my empty bedroom thinking of every little thing that could easily go wrong at home or at college. I had attended Rookie Bridge Camp a few days before and had a wonderful time. The upperclassmen and the other freshmen I befriended made me feel excited about attending, but I couldn't shake the nerves and the unanswered questions that were eating me up on the inside. I was afraid of leaving my family and the life that I had in my small town, and I still had no idea what I was up against.
The morning came a little too quickly for me. Once we were up and about, we were off to Tahlequah. We decided to attend a church service at Grace First Baptist, and my worries (as well as my parents') began to diminish knowing that I have a good church close by. After service, we made our way through the hectic traffic to get to the Leoser Housing Center, get my room key and move my stuff into the room.
The best part about moving in was the fact that we had to travel up three flights of stairs--not to mention the glorious weather! Luckily, the people working there were helpful and kind, and I recognized a lot of people from RBC. My family and I also got to meet Bailey and her family who had set up our internet and even assisted in helping me move in. From that point, we knew we'd get along quite well. Once we finished bringing everything up, attended the parent conference, and took a few pictures, it was time for my family to leave. If it wasn't for the kind staff, well-furnished and clean facilities, I wouldn't have felt very confident about being left here.
Welcome Week has primarily consisted of venturing around the campus and finding our classes as well as checking out their other facilities, and partaking in the various student activities provided by the Northeastern Activities Board.
The first night, they provided a Bingo game with great prizes. Unfortunately, my roommate and I didn't win anything (we came very close), but it was still fun. The next night, they set up the NSU Coin Walk for the freshman, and we watched Batman vs Superman. Wednesday night, their Baptist Collegiate Ministry held a Mix & Mingle, and, from what I've experienced, the BCM is an excellent place for the students to plug into. Finally, the BCM planned a Pancake Dinner where we enjoyed excellent breakfast food late at night and fellowshipped with others.
Needless to say, my time here so far has been fun. I've met so many great of people, the student activities are well-planned and there are multiple opportunities to plug into ministry. Don't get me wrong, I miss my hometown and my family, but I love it here, and I'm looking forward to seeing what NSU has in store for me.
