My Transition to College
Start writing a post
Student Life

My Transition to College

Washington and Lee is a special place, but it's tough to leave home.

47
My Transition to College
https://urtechtransfer.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/f-i-r-e-series-patent-laws-are-changing-are-you-prepared-tuesday-february-12-at-12pm/

About a month ago, I left my home, my town, my friends, and my family. I traded it for an unknown journey that laid ahead. For me, the journey that laid ahead was a quest for higher education. To a certain extent, I felt guilty to leave my small town. After all, that was where I had grown up. I had friends that I had known my whole life, a lot of family and familiarity with everyone and everything. To leave, I was completely starting over.

I remember watching the “Now Leaving Banks County” sign fade away into the distance as the anxiety was building. Was I good enough to attend college? What if no one liked me? After all, I did not attend a fancy private school, my parents were not high profile professionals, and I lived on a small farm where the resemblance of civilization was 30 minutes away. Yet, I was enrolled in a private, liberal arts college that is said to be one of the top colleges in America. Maybe my application was a fluke I thought as the sign faded into the distance.

Needless to say, I did not sleep well the following night. I tossed and turned as thoughts and doubts flooded my mind. The next morning, I was mentally numb as I moved in and attend various meetings and met a variety of students, staff, and professors. The realization hit me, this was it. The idea of completely starting over was not an idea anymore, it was a reality. The loneliness hit me that night in my small 10 by 10 single dorm. I was alone.

However, the next day the feelings of loneliness quickly faded away as I timidly introduce myself to the Baltimore Volunteer Venture group and was shocked at the warm welcome I received. As names swarmed my mind, I felt that I was part of a community for the first time in my life and oddly enough it felt like my home. That is what I think makes Washington and Lee special, we are a community and openly except each other. No ideas or people are turned away because they are different. Ironically, it is the differences that make everyone similar at Washington and Lee. I was always shy in high school, but I found myself talking more than I ever had before. I was happy.

What I learned was that no one is truly ready for college and it is a learning experience. I remember getting lost multiple times and having to do my own laundry, but I was not alone. Everyone struggled in some way or another, but we struggled together. The homesickness, workload, and anxiety brought us closer together as a group. In many ways, my hall feels like my family and as the weeks continue to pass we learn more not only about each other, but also about ourselves. I think the true value of college is what it teaches us about ourselves. It does not merely develop the mind, but develops character and self-understanding.

College is about finding yourself and I think I have begun my journey to do that. The comforting thing is that I am not alone. I have a large support base and that truly helps. As the journey unfolds before my eyes I am excited to see what the future holds and what I learn about myself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

78700
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

48233
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

978350
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments