Transitions
Start writing a post
Student Life

Transitions

How I have adjusted this first semester.

79
Transitions
Meredith Flanagan

Loading my car up on the morning of August 23rd was filled with so many emotions. I was very excited to go away to college, to make new friends, and feel in control of my education. I lived in a fantasy world where Athens, Ohio would be the best place in the world and I would rarely meet bumps in the road. Although I still love my home away from home, it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows. Over the past three months, I have grown in so many ways and learned different things about myself and those around me every day.

I always knew I wanted to go away for college, and going to a small Catholic school my whole life made me want to pursue a much larger university. A university three and a half hours away from home. Growing up I was super close to my mom and my brother and I fought like typical siblings. I thought to leave was going to be easy and they were only a call away. Although, this is true with the three of us having all different schedules we sometimes found it difficult to keep up and often those phone calls could only be a few minutes. Up until this week, I denied that I was homesick, but I couldn't be happier than I am right now. Sitting next to my sweet mother on the couch.

Being away from home for the first time was difficult, but the year started with so many new friendships. I became close with many of the people on my floor and made friends in my Learning Community. The friendships were very new, but it was nice to be surrounded by other people my age being away from home for the first time as well. It was sort of a distraction to all the changes happening at once. Growing close with Hailey, Cara, and Autumn made my bad days better and my good day amazing. They bring so much laughter and entertainment to my life and I'm so excited this new journey brought them to me!

School has always been a passion of mine, I love filling my planner with assignments and checking them off. During high school, I didn't feel particularly challenged with my classes and bio was something I couldn't be less interested in. Being a Biological Sciences major I thought to myself, "If I don't even like biology, how in the world am I going to take it for the next four years." My professor this semester has been nothing but amazing and has made me love the subject more than I ever thought was possible. (THANK YOU, Karen Mammone). I'm beyond thankful to be learning about topics I'm interested in and not what I had to take in order to graduate high school. Being able to choose my classes and finally work towards my career brings so much joy to my life, it pushes me to work harder as well.

I was foolish to think every single day here in Athens would be perfect, but I have adjusted to the different schedules between my family and me and made many new friends who keep my spirits up. Athens has been a positive place for me this first semester and I cannot wait to see what the next few years bring me.

Thank you, Athens

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58535
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37725
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959311
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194088
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments