I just started my freshman year at the University of Michigan and I am so overjoyed and excited to be in Ann Arbor following my dreams. In my first two weeks at college I have had so many different experiences and met many amazing people. I am so glad I chose to be a wolverine almost a year ago! I have realized that the University of Michigan is so incredible because there is nothing bad about it- at all. I cannot currently think of one person who does not love it here or one major or program that is not highly regarded or acclaimed. So far in my first two weeks here I know I am 100% in love with Ann Arbor, and I have learned a few things about college that have surprised & intrigued me.
1. Doing theatre is cool
Wait what?! If Jesus Christ himself told me that doing theatre in college would be cool I wouldn’t have believed him. Even the athletes at a big ten school think the school of music, theatre, and dance is awesome. Somehow, here at the University of Michigan, being in the theatre school is actually “cool”. To be completely honest I never truly cared that my art form was under appreciated, under funded, and made fun of in high school, however it is shocking to me that everyone I meet here thinks doing theatre is awesome *jazz hands*.
2. You can tell who the freshmen are
As a freshman myself it has been easy to pinpoint which kids in class or around campus are freshman also based on a few factors: being overly early to class (I did this too), being lost on the bus system (I am victim), and generally having no idea what is going on at all (me).
3. Dining halls just are not good
I am trying my absolute very best to eat in the dining halls here at school. I go at least once a day and suffer trying to find healthy options but I would like to announce to all high school seniors that even if they cannot wait to graduate this spring they should savor home cooked meals for as long as they possibly can. Salad bars and bananas are only good for so much and I would kill to be in my kitchen at home for all my meals.
4. Sleep is such a necessary thing
I am blessed to have my tempurpedic mattress cover on my bed so that when I do get home after a busy day, I pass out right away. However, there just simply are not enough hours in the day to do everything I have to do. Homework? Rehearsal? Auditions? Club meetings? Sorority rush? Exercise? Class? My planner and Emergen-C are my best friends.
5. There are 1,000,000 opportunities no matter who you are
So far at school I have met so many incredible professors in my areas of interest (theatre, playwriting, english) who are so incredibly passionate about what they do. Every day I have new opportunities to perform, write, and create that I never even imagined possible. I’ve realized that every student should be taking advantage of all their college has to offer, you’re the one paying to be a student!! Talking to professors, getting involved, and being active on campus are totally free components of a college experience. There is absolutely no reason why any college student should spend all day in their dorm room when going after their goals & dreams are the reason why they are enrolled. Here at Michigan there is a chance for every single person (all 40,000+ of us) to thrive… probably why we’re the leaders & the best.
Go blue!
