Recently, I have somehow managed to successfully finished my first semester in college. I moved in with no expectations, for I had no idea what to expect. I'm the oldest child in my family, therefore I was the guinea pig when my parents put me through the application and enrollment process. When I chose St. Bonaventure University, I was the only one in my senior class to enroll here. At first it was exciting, I was thinking how independent I was going to become in this new place I've never explored before.
When it came to Move-In Day, the word "terrified" doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. I quickly realized the only person I knew was my roommate, which I am still so thankful she was there alongside me throughout the first week. As I carried by bags to my dorm room, I watched as freshman already somehow formed friend groups, and I quickly realized how alone I was. I said a teary-eyed goodbye to my parents that night and went straight back to my room. There, I started to rethink going to school so far away from home. Could I survive the semester?
Yes, the answer was definitely yes.
As terrifying as the first week was, meeting professors and joining new clubs and starting to learn names, I am now so thankful for the silly ice breakers which helped me meet more people. That first week was very nerve-wracking for me, and it was filled with late nights with new friends, and many "I miss you" and "It's so strange here" texts sent to my friends from home.
The first shock I faced was how independent I suddenly was. There was no one to tell me to stop watching TV, to wake me up in the morning, to make me a healthy meal, or to tell me when to go to sleep. I could stay up as late as I want doing whatever I want and there was very little to stop me. This was a very strange realization I made, but I did not let it change me much. The first few nights I spent adjusting to this new college life was strange, but I finally found my routine that worked for me. After figuring that out, it made going to and from classes so much easier. It also made it easier to hang out with friends, something I truly treasured.
One thing I did not expect was how quickly I became friends with some of the people on my floor. Almost everyone was out in the common area talking to one another and it comforted me when we all opened up about how weird it was to be away from home. We all talked about our home towns, and being from different states, we all bonded over our opinions on food and how good it was back home compared to our dining hall here.
Soon the weeks flew by, as did Fall break and Thanksgiving break. I found myself missing these kids, who I felt like I knew my whole life, over these short weekend breaks. I never thought I would instantly bond with the people on my floor and get along with them so well. We all helped each other through tough papers and professors who seemed to assign the most work possible. Not all got along, but I found myself a great group of people I'm proud to call my friends. Getting to know the all people on my floor is definitely one of the benefits of going to a small school.
No matter what high school teachers may claim, I don't think much prepared me for college courses. My professors seemed to expect us to already know how to interpret these texts, or write this style. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention in high school, but I found myself spending more time in the library than originally planned. I'm making this very clear - I am complaining! I don't like writing long papers or reading long texts so I can get participation points in class the next day. Somehow, I managed to pass my classes this semester, and learned better study habits to stay afloat next semester.
It's going to be strange being home for so long. I have grown accustomed to having a roommate, to seeing my friends everyday, to walking everywhere. This first semester was full of laughs, tears, and many stories about last night. I went from staying in my dorm room, nervous to show my face, to saying "Hi!" to people all around campus. I can't wait to come back for second semester to see what it has ready for me.
