The semester is winding down, and when I’m not compulsively studying or avoiding studying, I’ve been reflecting on my first year of college. I had a lot of expectations coming in, and many of them were met, while a few were proven to be myths dreamed up by an eager high school senior. No, I didn’t absolutely love and excel in all my classes. College has its general education requirements, too – and I know my sine from cosine whether I want to or feel it’s relevant. No, I don’t know everyone in my classes, and we don’t go for coffee after an interesting lecture to continue discussing it. In most of my classes, I know a couple of people, and we bolt as soon as class is dismissed. No, I haven’t had an epiphany or found my calling in life. I know what I like and want, but it’s likely to change as I continue to learn and grow more. But my first year has been far from disappointing. I’ve met some great people that I hope stay in my life as long as college friends are rumored to do. The weirdly strong bond I’d heard about – that is forged when you are taken away from everyone you know and put through some difficult times – is not exaggerated. While not every class is a joy to attend, there are some great professors out there that really do provoke you to think differently. I’ve learned more in one semester of my literature class than I ever did in most of my high school classes combined. Being on my own for the first time – well, as “on my own” as one can be living in a dorm with a paid meal plan and Paw Points – has forced me to grow up a lot. I decide when I should study, go out, go to class or sleep. While I may have made a few wrong choices along the way, I am more responsible than I ever have been. I know I don’t have this whole college thing figured out yet, but at least I’ve got one year down.
—-Contact Emily McArdle at [email protected]