I vividly remember this time last year; I was extremely anxious for my sophomore year of college to start. It was the first time I was living on my own away from my family, I was about to take on 18 credit hours, and I was returning to college after a year off. On a lighter note, I was also excited to decorate my new apartment, find new opportunities, and make new friends at school. The time before school starts, no matter what grade you are in, is conflicting and bittersweet.
Summer is a time to enjoy yourself, take on an internship or just be home and relax -- perhaps even a little bit of everything. So when the idea of going back to school and sitting in lectures pops into your head, it can take the wind out your sails. Now add the extra pressure of moving away to a new place, which can provoke even more stress. Right before I left for college, a girl from my high school told me about her college experience. She warned me that the first week is probably going to be the worst. She was candid and talked about how she honestly hated it that first week. She wanted to go home, and she doubted her decision of going there.
When she first told me this, I listened, but I didn't realize the truth in her words.
Looking back, I know that the first week at school was probably the worse week I ever had at college. I felt overwhelmed when I went to a campus-wide event, called "Quad Day," where I was surrounded by thousands upon thousands of students. After going to this, I questioned if this school was the right choice for me. I felt like Nemo lost in a vast ocean in the movie "Finding Nemo." That feeling stuck with me throughout the first week while I also felt overwhelmed with the classes I was taking. I just felt alone.
But my perspectives changed. As I look back on this moment in my life, I can't help but smile. I was never alone; I had my roommates, new friends I was making, my family and loved ones back home (even though they were a state away), professors, and so many other people who supported me. I still very clearly remember calling my mom stress crying because I couldn't decide if I should drop a class or not. I felt lost and alone, but my mom assured me I wasn't, and she was so right.
Taking on a new opportunity, like leaving home for school, is scary and exciting. You go through a rollercoaster of emotions as you start this adventure, but understand that you, too, are not alone. Everyone who goes to school experiences the first week of school differently, that means you have a support system that knows exactly how you are feeling. As my first year away from school continued, I met more people who had similar first experiences as me. Now, facing my second year away from home, I am sad knowing summer is over and that I won't be under the same roof as my family, but I am also excited to be back on campus. I'll be able to live close to my college friends, to learn more about the world around me, and so much more because college is yours for the taking.
As you pack up to head to school, remember that It is perfectly okay to miss your home, to feel overwhelmed with the new place you are in, and end up stress crying to your parents about being away.
If you are nervous, excited, or even a little scared, there are so many other people who are going through the same emotions as you. Once you get past the first week or two of school, you will start to find your path of how to handle college. Your first week of being away from home won't define you. Do not let those feelings of doubt hold you back the rest of your college career.