Wow.

I’m no longer a college freshman. That sounds weird, doesn’t it?

My nineteenth birthday is also in five days. Okay, I’m totally freaked out.

I’m trying to figure out how I got to this point, but I can’t quite wrap my head around it. I feel like I’m trying to solve some complex physics problem, and I know NOTHING about physics.

I remember the day vividly: September 2, 2017. My mom’s Mazda CX-5 rolled into the Holly Pointe Commons parking lot following an hour and a half trek from Middletown, New Jersey. Looking out the window, I gazed in awe at the architectural masterpiece that was now my home.

As my vision came down to Earth, I observed students roaming excitedly with blissful expressions and radiant benevolence. Eager freshmen mingled with altruistic upper-class volunteers in a scene of visual euphoria.

I still remember that day like it was yesterday.

Fast forward eight months: April 30, 2018. Today I moved out of my dorm, bidding HPC farewell one last time. I spent the entire journey back to Middletown reminiscing on the memories of freshman year.

I’ll be honest. I struggled during my first few months at Rowan.

I grew frustrated with myself when I wasn’t able to immediately discover my niche. I didn’t particularly know what I was looking for, but I persisted. While the fall semester didn’t go as well as I had originally hoped, I remained optimistic.

Then, perhaps the most significant moment of my life arrived: spring semester.

At the beginning of the spring semester, I decided to join the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Eta Mu Chapter. PSP has afforded me the opportunity to get involved with a prominent organization on campus, which has subsequently allowed me to forge relationships with peers to last a lifetime.

I’ve been able to interact with academically and socially progressive students through PSP in order to maximize the potential of not only ourselves but Rowan as a whole.

I’ve also developed into a primary component of Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM. As the host of “The Music That Matters” on Mondays from 1-3 PM, I’ve improved my public speaking skills by verbally communicating with thousands of listeners, while also entertaining an audience with a variety of rock music ranging from the 1960s to present day.

Phi Sigma Pi and Rowan Radio have truly enriched my experience at Rowan University thus far. I didn’t understand why college received so much hype at first, but my eyes have since been opened to the light.

Looking back, I’m proud of what I accomplished this past year, but not entirely satisfied. I’ve become acclimated to the learning environment that Rowan fosters by balancing scholarly obligations and extracurricular participation.

Although I feel fulfilled, I’m intent on challenging myself further, on setting goals that positively impact the community that has afforded me with personal and professional opportunities alike.

Remember: Idle Hands Are The Devil’s Workshop.

Time flies when you’re having fun AND staying busy. Maybe that’s why freshman year will always be a blur in my mind. Next year, I anticipate having even more fun while staying even busier. I might grow a few extra gray hairs, but it’ll be worth it.

As long as I stay out of trouble.