The transition from high school to college is definitely not easy, but it is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’m the kind of person who is very happy-go-lucky majority of the time, but when I moved out of my home to a completely different environment, I felt so lost and alone. I’m very close with my family, and saying goodbye was when I initially thought to myself, I can’t do this. That same evening we had band camp for Pride, so I put back on my smile and showed up trying not to seem upset.
The first few days were the worst, because there weren’t any classes for another two weeks and all we did was band camp. But, I was starting to get to know my peers in my section, and I realized that the freshman around me were also feeling the exact same way as me. Being away from everything you know is scary but I quickly found my group of people who are all my closest friends, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better! Once classes started, I found the groove of things and I slowly started to feel more and more comfortable.
College life is amazing once the ball is rolling. My advice for any new college freshman is just trust the process of it all, because it will lead to so many amazing opportunities!! There are so many things that you get to experience in your first year as an independent person, and they will help shape who you are for the future.
-Written by Zoe McDowell