The transition to college my
freshman year was very difficult. I was thrown into a whole new world where I
didn’t know anyone, didn’t know where any of my classes were, didn’t know what
organization to join, didn’t know how to do common everyday tasks like doing
laundry or using a hammer, and scariest of all, I didn’t know what to expect
for the next four years or even for the next day. I was constantly on edge and
constantly questioning every little decision or action I made, even if it was
as easy as what I should eat for dinner at the BLUU. Freshman year was
definitely filled with these terrifying feelings but was filled even more fully
with those awkward “freshman” moments that always seem to happen at the most
inopportune times (like having a coughing attack in the quiet section of the
library or using the elevator to get to the second floor when you’re already on
the second floor…). I never seemed to get enough “me” time, and as much as I
tried to make myself take a break from my studies (yes, I had to try to get
myself to take a break), I just would never allow myself to be one of those
procrastinators or underprepared students. Freshman year was a compilation of
learning how to do life, finding someone to eat with, and stressing out to no
end but every minute of it was completely worth it.
Since starting my sophomore
year, I have been able to appreciate my typical freshman experiences much more,
and in fact, I am very proud of how I handled myself last year. I applied to
TONS of on-campus organizations, got good grades, made friends (even though it
seemed hard to do at times), and found my place at TCU. I moved back to campus
a few weeks ago on August 11th, and since moving in, I have become much more
excited for the year to come. This year I actually know people walking around
campus (we like wave and say hi so we’re practically best friends), I am living
in the sorority house where there is always happiness, rainbows, and Starburst,
and I am staying on top of my classes and organizations right off the bat (even
though it has taken me staying up until 2 am to do so). I have been able to
come back to campus as a sophomore who knows what to expect, who knows where I
fit in at TCU, and who is able to adapt to anything that gets thrown at me.
I am hopeful that my
sophomore year leaves me with just as much pride as my freshman year did, and I
know that I can accomplish this goal by doing a few simple things. First, I
know I said that I’ve been staying on top of my classes but honestly, it is
only the first week and this is easier said than done. I am determined to read
every assignment and make an outline for everything I read, and am also
committed to completing AND understanding every homework problem I do even if
this means going in for office hours. I want to transition from seeing school
as merely a way to achieve through getting good grades but to see it as a way
to gain knowledge and useful information that I can use through my lifetime.
Second, I want to develop and maintain the relationships with those closest to
me. Sometimes it may seem like life gets too hectic to spend time with those
you love, and who you call friends and family but I want to make time for them.
I need to allow myself to take a break and have fun, and it is when I see
friends and family that I have the most fun. And third, I want to commit myself
to being very involved in the organizations I have joined. This not only
includes attending the meetings but also following through with the information
given at these meetings, and holding myself accountable for the things and
organizations I am passionate about. I have made great personal strides since
coming to TCU last year, and I need to ensure that I get the absolute most out
of the next three years.
