If anyone still reads these things, they might remember an article I wrote at the beginning of August, talking about my hopes and concerns of going to college. I decided to look back on that ancient artifact and see what I got right, and what I got wrong.
So first, here's a list:
What I Got Right:
- I was scared out of my mind when I first got here.
- I've given everyone I know my college address at least twice.
- Saying goodbye was definitely the hardest thing I had to do. I miss a lot of people back home everyday.
- I wrote a lot of thank you notes.
What I Got Wrong:
- I've actually had more than Pop Tarts and Ramen Noodles to eat here, which is amazing.
- The hand cramps weren't actually that bad.
- I haven't written to friends back home as much as I have wanted to, and I regret that.
- I wasn't as scared as I thought I would be.
I know, I know. The first thing I said was that I was scared. But I actually surprised myself by taking such a drastic change in my life so well, which has boosted my confidence significantly. Of course there have been times where I've felt the weight of my new-found adulthood, but I've always been able to handle it. I've had a lot of help from friends here, as well. I was lucky enough to become a part of a wonderful group of kids I met at orientation, along with others I've met along the way. They've been tremendous and very patient, and I can't thank them enough.
(Another thing that helped was the fact thatStarbucks was a part of the college's meal plan. I would not be able to make a latte here and there a habit if it weren't for that. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you SUNY Purchase, for the marvelous gift of caffeine I don't have to pay extra for.)
This semester has actually been a roller-coaster ride. There were a lot of ups (sprinting through Manhattan to see George Ezra live, weekend movie nights with the squad, the drag show I dressed up for), and a couple downs every now and then (Finals Week, America on Film in particular), but I honestly would not have it any other way. The things I have learned this semester will be crucial to my success as an adult, because I learned a lot about myself. For example, I'm just awful at doing laundry (but that's what the supportive group of friends is for, right?).
The challenges I faced are only previews of what actual adulthood is like and I understand that. And the challenges of being out in the "real world" without the protection of such an open-minded campus will probably be much more difficult. But I strongly believe that the lessons I've learned over the past four months have been fundamental in shaping me into an adult ready and able to take those challenges head-on.
So thank you, SUNY Purchase, for an eye-opening first semester. Thank you to the new friends, who've made college life so much more bearable. And thank you to the old friends, who kept in touch and offered me help whenever I needed it. I haven't let you down yet, and the thank you notes are still valid.
One semester down. Here's to seven more.
