First Year

          I couldn’t wait to get out of high school. I always thought college would be great and I was right. Living away from home was always a scary thought but now I don’t want want to go back. I like being independent and how college almost forces you to become so; even if it is just a little bit. It’s like playing grown-up or house but in real life accompanied by a safety net to catch you. I have done things I would never do before: like go and see a movie by myself, wander around a museum for fun, or just take the time to enjoy the outdoors in the park. These all seem like little things, but it proves to me that I can be on my own and mostly succeed at it. It allows me to enjoy my time and my own company. Time by yourself should be appreciated because in college you are constantly surrounded by so many other people.

          I also took charge of my own social life. For example, the first week here I made my shy-self go to the dining hall alone and sit with new people. Sure, I don’t talk to the majority of them now but some of my closest friends came from that experience. Going to meet random people and hang out with people I don’t know is something I would never do before. But now it is such a part of the college experience, whether you’re meeting to do group projects or going to a party, that it is something I look forward to. Again, this all may not seem like much but it is enough to show myself that yes my life is different, and no it isn’t all that bad.

That isn’t to say that everything has been perfect. While being independent and starting to be an adult is great, it also means that you are alone as well. For example, this year I was sick with pneumonia before winter break and all I wanted was to be taken care of by my mom. But my mom was three and a half hours away. The same feeling arises when you’re sad and stressed and want to be comforted. Or when all you want is a home cooked meal but you're stuck with another bagel or a risk to the dining hall. All your life you had these comforts and now you don’t. It is a part of growing up and college is a great way to ease into these responsibilities but nobody is going to lie and say they don’t miss being taken care of.

          Growing up is hard and college is great way to start and isn’t as scary as you make think it is. Yes, you will be homesick at times and won’t want to do your responsibilities (looking at you laundry) but it is a part of life. Also, college is fun and being on your own is great. Your new found freedom will allow you to do so many things and become the person you are really meant to be.