This time, last year, the weight of expectations, nervousness, expectancy, and excitement took shelter on my shoulders as I stood, amazed, admiring the place that was to be my home for four years. Questions of whether I was made for this, fears of failure and uncertainties silently interrupted the scene and brought my feet back to solid ground, reminding me that being at Dartmouth was just the first step of a long, arduous journey. With expectations and fears keeping me grounded, I began my college career. Excitement and nervousness mixed in the air as I began to take my first steps as an independent, first generation student at Dartmouth College. As you guys have read, I had quite the interesting first year, full of ups and downs but most importantly lessons in character and life. Now, as I write this, I am counting down the days for me to arrive at Dartmouth once again for round two.
This time, this year, I am no longer weighed down by expectations or nervousness. I made it through the first year, which some say it is the hardest thing to do, and so I am more than ready for this second year. With a clearer (and yet so fuzzy) idea of what I want to do, I am excited about the things that I am going to do. I am no longer nervous about what I am doing. Rather, I am expectant about what I can do this time around. Now that I have a grasp of the academics and the social life, it is the time to bloom and flourish (in the words of one of my professors). Even my dad has mentioned to me that now that I am going back, I have the advantage of knowing the ins and outs of the place and thus, I will have more freedom to the things that I want to do. It is the time to stand and deliver.
Confidence and expectancy is what reigns this time around. Excitement, of course has always and will always be there. I am excited for the things that I have planned for this year. I can let you guys onto a sneak peak. There are plans to do the following: pull off straight A’s, organize a peaceful demonstration at the Republican Presidential Debate asking for support of the DREAM Act, strengthening the first generation network at Dartmouth, declaring the double major and make it to club soccer. Yep. This is just a sneak peek.
I hope that September finds you all well and those who are staring college, enjoy it! Those who are about to start applying, do not procrastinate!