Freshman year has come and gone. Fall semester seemed like it would drag on and on when Spring semester flew by in a flash! In the fall, I was uncomfortable (to say the least) and thought that my four years of college would be an experience filled with challenging academics and strange people. The workload was more than I had been exposed to in high school and I felt a strong sense of independence; the need for more self-sufficiency was apparent. To add to the struggle, the people were just so different from the folks I knew from home.
Something changed, however, by Spring semester. I’m not sure what it was exactly. The courses were more interesting (more focused in my major), but the rigor had not decreased and the people did not become more like my friends from home. I guess I was the changing factor in the story of my freshman year. Looking back, I think the person I became second semester was a more grownup and accepting me. I learned how to handle myself better academically; I found the happy medium between enjoying college life and being a responsible student. Also, I learned how to better handle others. I became more tolerant and open to what others had to offer and even became curious about their varying experiences, cultures, traditions, and creeds.
This change in me produced one of the best experiences of my life thus far. I met amazing people and created lasting friendships. I’ve learned things that I have never even thought of before. And I can look back on my first year of college with satisfaction and glee.
If I could go back to my first semester self, I would tell him to loosen up and be more open. I would tell him to take his time and enjoy the college experience, but remember to always prioritize. I would encourage him that everything would work out for the best and that freshman year would change his life forever!