Hello Lovelies,
I’ve finally started my first semester of college, and let me tell you, I’ve had some highs and lows. The biggest factor was fear. Learning to step out of your comfort zone and socialize can be hard. Whether it’s knowing where you fit in, finding good peer support, or confusion on where to even start, all of it can cause havoc for first-time college students.
The key to a smooth transition into campus life is being able to locate which buildings are where. From my own standpoint, the first day was well… absolute chaos. I was so afraid to ask others if they knew where each of my classes were, specifically Building H. This semester I’m taking Biology, English 111 and 045, as well as Psychology at another campus. After fighting a long internal battle of hesitation and seeing many other students looking lost themselves, I finally asked a faculty member and was led in the correct direction.
Battling four classes is challenging, but also very rewarding for my long-term goals. I made it a goal to make a friend in each class. This gives me at least one person from each course I can get notes from, use as a study buddy, and advocate on my behalf if an emergency comes up — and vice versa. In the long run, attending the fall semester, I will have only two other pre-nursing classes to take in addition to Nurse Aide 1. So hopefully only this first semester will be jam-packed.
During the past three weeks of school, I’ve made multiple friends, exchanged numbers, visited the bookstore, completed assignments, created a schedule and study routine, and located many resting centers, along with places to conveniently warm up my packed lunches between class breaks. All in all, the only downside was that the first few days I limited myself in interactions with others. After all, most people aren’t out to get you, and the most powerful tool you have is your voice.
If I had to give advice to any other student, I would insist that you make motives to push yourself out of your comfort zone every day. It doesn’t have to be huge changes or actions — a little can go a long way. Whether it’s exchanging contacts with a classmate, trying a new menu item at the campus café, building a stronger connection between you and your professors, or even raising your hand and volunteering to read or answer a question — these are all great ways to go beyond your comfort zone. And you never know, you might just find you’re enjoying yourself. Who knows? The possibilities are endless.
Go out there and chase the world, the moon, the stars, and even the galaxies.
Until our next adventure,
D.B
