A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies, specializing in Journalism and News Broadcasting.
As I drove from my small town in New Jersey all the way to Washington D.C., I could not help but feel anxious about making new friends and keeping up with my rigorous courses. But then I remembered that I came to summer university to learn rather than 'make new friends,' and proceeded to slow down my heart rate.
Little did I know that I would meet some of my best friends in just a week.
As soon as my dad hugged me and left me alone in my dorm room, I felt a lump in my throat swell up. It finally sunk in that I was hours away from anyone who even knew my name.
My roommate's bag was sitting on her bed, so I decided to walk around the halls to see if I could find her or at least anyone in my same program. What I wandered into was a group of 20 or so girls, all eager to get to know me.
As soon as I walked in, I felt the wave of nausea pass over me, and, finally, disappear. Later that evening, I met two girls who would, by the end of the week, feel like sisters.
My course at Georgetown was phenomenal and my teacher, well-acclaimed journalist Ben Barber, was absolutely fantastic. His stories about his travels were so relevant and did so much more than just educate the class. He completely changed my view on journalism all together, and transformed it from just facts to art.
All around, my studies were more than I could have ever dreamed of.
But, even better than that, are the two best friends I made. Our trips to the on-campus market, Hoya Snaxa, and to buy (and completely finish) pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream will never be forgotten. We shared stories about our past and hopes and ambitions for the future.
Never before had I met a friend who I felt like actually understood me. What blew me away, even more, was that not one, but two girls that I just met became connected to me on a level much deeper than my words can explain.
These two girls have changed my outlook on college as an experience and rather than being shy and afraid, I am eager to see what college (and my future) has to offer me. If it is anything like my week at Georgetown, I will be truly and utterly grateful.
