The first day of classes...of college classes...is today. Wow. I walk into the room for my Introduction to Documentary Studies class. I am definitely excited, but my feet slightly tremble in my Doc Martens as I open the door to the classroom. This is a 200-level class, which leads to to worry that most of the students will not share the same freshmen anxieties as me. I tell myself to breathe. I came this far without getting lost; I can do this. I search the room, desperate to find a seat close to the back. Unfortunately, everyone else already seemed to have the same idea as me; the back seats packed with students, I head towards the front, avoiding eye contact with these strangers. I take a seat in the front row. I know I look calm on the outside, but my mind fills with worries about how I look like the nerdy freshman way too eager to learn. Once the professor walks in, she asks us all to write down a few facts about ourselves. You know the ones I'm talking about...name, major, grade, etc. After a few, silent minutes of writing, the professor informs the class to share what we wrote. A brave soul in the back volunteers, and the self sharing begins. I half-listen to what everyone says, forgetting names just moments after they are spoken. However, I have not heard one person say they are a freshman. Negative thoughts plague my mind; I am fearful I will be judged simply because of my class standing. The line of people to share dwindles...
"Junior."
"Senior."
"Sophomore."
"Senior."
"Junior."
Oh no. It is my turn to speak, and I realize that I am the only freshman in this class.
"Hi, I'm Amelia. I'm a freshman studying English and Media and Cinema Studies."
Nothing happens. There is no taunting or scoffing or stifled laughter. This is when I realize that literally no one cares except me. We are all in the same place with the same goal: to graduate and earn a degree. Class continues as normal, and I breathe a sigh of relief. I cannot believe I let myself stress so much over one word that only scratches the surface of defining who I am. Freshmen, keep your head held up high; we will get through this year together.
