August 31st, 2016 marked my first day at Boston University.
On this day, I was filled with enthusiasm and was eager for all that the next four years had in store for me. I still remember the rush of anticipation as I reached the Rich Hall’s 4th floor at West Campus and entered a cozy triple with empty wardrobes, empty desks, and empty beds. On that day, I opened the door to my new roommates and new home. Soon enough, amidst orientation week, the start of classes and loads of social events, it had already been a month since I came to BU. With a busy schedule and settling into a new place, you never realize how fast time is actually passing you by. By the end of this one month, I was still new to everything; I would still get lost around campus. I was still figuring out how to catch the BU shuttle. I was still adjusting to the dining hall food. I was still getting to know my roommates. I was still in search of ‘my people’ in college. I was still a freshman at BU.
However, today, on the 26th of March 2016, I only have about a month left of my freshman year.
On this day, my sentiments are the exact opposite of what they were on the first day of school. A huge part of me is thankful for all the experiences I have had in the past 8 months and all the experiences I will have in the next 3 years. However, being a freshman holds a different sentiment in itself. Today, I can proudly say that freshman year has taught me more in just 8 months than I learned throughout the past 18 years of my life.
In the past few months, the biggest and most important thing that I learned is to be independent. I learned that being away from everything I have ever known, made me strong and made me learn the value of everything I have today. Freshman year was especially different because it was in a new country and my first time away from my home, friends, and family.
It is only in freshman year that we experience things we never have before. I experienced living by myself for the first time. I experienced dining hall meals for the first time. Moreover, freshman year provides you with a ‘fresh’ start: a brand new chance to do it all over again. A chance to get to know new and diverse people, a chance to learn absurd and interesting subjects, a chance to do everything you ever wanted to with infinite possibilities in front of you. This was my favorite part of freshman year: a chance to be someone new. A better version of yourself who seizes everything that is out there.
At the end of these 8 months, now, I know the silliest traits about my roommates. I found my people, my best friends. I am familiar with my campus and I consider it my home.
I went from a lost 17-year-old, wandering up and down Comm. Ave to an aware and alert 18-year-old. If I had a chance to be a freshman all over again, I would never miss out on that opportunity.
After all, you are Only a Freshman Once! (YOFO)