Personally, my first semester of college was not difficult at all. It was sort of a breeze. Looking back to before the semester started, I imagined myself getting lost trying to find my way around campus, feeling lost, being completely alone in a class full of strangers, and lots of crying. Thankfully I joined the Summer Bridge Program that alleviated all my doubts about college. I only took four classes like my advisor suggested, worked weekends at my job, worked in an office Mondays and Wednesdays, and went to school on Sundays to get my nail technician license. My schedule was a bit hectic for being a freshman in college; not to mention I became secretary for Gen1 and My Sisters’ Keeper and Treasurer for Alma. Also, I joined a few other clubs such as Red Cross, SAA (Student Alumni Association), and Modern Language. To be honest, it was a little bit overwhelming. I don’t know how I managed to still get about eight hours of sleep and still had time for my family and friends. Now I am just so happy that I have a few weeks to myself. Of course, there is family to visit and friends to hang out with, but what I’m really looking forward to is just enjoy my alone time.

During that time, I either sleep or mediate. While sleeping too much isn’t good, there could never be a such thing as too much meditation. When I was a sophomore in high school, my friend showed me that meditation was a way to relax and relieve stress. I remember always thinking I didn’t really work but I was completely wrong. I didn’t realize how much power our minds have. If we focus enough, we can control our bodies to do amazing things. We can heal ourselves and think ourselves into a good mood just as we can easily think ourselves into a bad mood. Our mind is a powerful thing.

Going back to college, I am extremely happy with how my first semester went. I met tons of great people, became inspired by brilliant professors and feel connected with my community. I never would have imagined such a smooth transition from high school to college. I am especially grateful for my supervisors Kourtney Givens and Dr. Wallace for putting me in the Summer Bridge Program because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have all the opportunities I have right now.

One piece of advice I want to give to future college students is get to know people and do not limit yourself. Though people may think college is intimidating, and sometimes it can be, almost everyone there is making sure you enter the work world confident and educated. My plan is to stay optimistic, strong, and continue studying to be a child psychologist. One semester down, seven more to go!