I moved into UNCW on August 13th, classes have yet to begin, and I have already learned a LOT about how different these next few years are going to be.
1. I have never walked so much in my life.
With bike traffic being just as congested as other pedestrian traffic, my parents encouraged me to stick with my own two feet for a while. So, for the past few days my suite mates and I have been exploring campus, finding our classes, and walking to earn our food. This is the one time I wish I had a FitBit so I knew just how much walking I have already done, without classes even starting.
2. College students will do anything for free stuff.
At about $8,000 a semester, I decided I should probably take advantage of anything campus offers to attempt to close the deficit. Yesterday I took advantage of a free tie-dying party under the amphitheater, because free shirt YAY. Then later that night, after dinner, there was an event called "Rock the Rec" which was the on-campus gym's big kick off night. There my suite mates and I watched a yoga demonstration and did not leave until all of us had a shirt. I am know the proud owner of the coveted SeaHawk Fitness shirt. Determination pays off, kids.
3. College is hard.
On Sunday I received an email from my Spanish 202 professor (how I placed into 202 the world may never know.) The email straightforwardly said that I would have daily quizzes, hour of homework, and that this course was not for the "faint of heart." Well folks, I am very faint. So I called my mom and now I am glad to say that she allowed me to switch out Intermediate Spanish 2, with Introduction to Portuguese. Now, I have a highly rated Portuguese professor and, as of right now, a class of twelve students.
4. You have to learn how to be flexible
I am the kind of person who does not always enthusiastically embraces change; however, all that college is, is change. Everything about this experience is different. As an only child, I am learning how to live with three other people for the first time. I am also learning that food choices are limited on a college budget, so Wagoner Dining Hall, Chick-fil-a, and Subway will have to be evenly distributed into my new diet.
5. You will no longer embarrass easily
A girl in another dorm said that she was having trouble adjusting to the fact that whenever she walks from the showers to her room, there is typically a group of guys talking outside of the bathroom door. She said she did not want to sound naive, but was certainly not used to being in nothing, but a towel with mixed company. So, sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches and smile your way through the day. If you stress out about every little encounter with these strangers, you will loose your mind.