As my freshman year of college comes to an end, I am able to look back and reflect on my year. College is nothing like I could have ever imagined, because it is so different from everything I have experienced so far. For me, it was the first time I was ever truly on my own, and it was quite the adjustment.
I depended on my parents my entire life for anything and everything. And, while they were still there to support and help me when I needed them, they were no longer in the next room. The small things were the most obvious initial challenges. I remember the first time I tried to do laundry by myself; it was a disaster. I lugged my clothes all the way to the other side of the hall to the laundry room, which, might I add, had only two washers, and they were both full at the time. I quickly learned that Sunday night was not the ideal night to do laundry.
Anyway, I had no idea what I was doing. Did I want to wash my clothes in cold or warm water? Was it really necessary that I separate my load? And how much detergent was I supposed to use? I was nearly clueless. This was a chore my mom always took on, and I had taken that for granted. Yes, I did try to call her, and no, she didn't answer. Eventually, after sitting there for about 15 minutes trying to compose myself, a girl from the hall who had also come to do her laundry walked through the whole process (and for that I am eternally grateful). Needless to say, I was a little lost on my own, but each day it got a little easier. It was all new and it was all exhausting.
I definitely learned to appreciate everything that my parents have done for me up until this point, and everything they will do for me in the future. But, at the same time, I've been able to show myself that I can handle more than I ever thought possible. It feels good to be able to recognize the support and love that surrounds me, but to finally feel confident in depending on myself.
Above all, my freshman year of college has allowed me to challenge myself. It's the perfect level of transition into being an adult, without the terror of paying rent and working a full-time job. Throughout the course of the year, I was able to discover different ways to stay organized and on top of things. Basically, I made a lot of "To Do" lists, and checked off the items as I went along. I learned to take my life week by week, and to get as much work done during the week as possible, so I could relax and have fun on the weekends. I found several outlets and hobbies that came from being on my own.
I am so grateful for an experience that helped me to find myself. I have never felt more independent than I do now, however my appreciation for everything my parents do for me has only grown.
Cheers to a successful freshman year!
