One of the scariest things I have ever experienced is attending college. I didn’t know where to go, I didn’t know anybody on campus, and I didn’t know how I was going to leave my mark on my college experience. I had a double-edged sword with being a freshman and a commuter, and I knew that if I wanted to make these years memorable, I would have to take it in stride and find my passions.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. My first semester was a bit tough, to say the least. Adjusting to the new atmosphere was difficult and finding friends was a test, but finding myself proved to be the biggest challenge of all. I came in as an undecided major and made up my mind that my first semester would be full of general education classes, also known as the extremely boring, you-have-to-take-these-classes-or-you-won’t-graduate courses.
Regarding extracurricular activities, different clubs and organizations, I decided to limit myself to just a few things and focus on adjusting to my new home away from home. I joined the Vulcan Color Guard in the University Marching Band, the University Choir, Cal Rocks, and the University Honors Program. Joining just a few things proved to be a bit overwhelming in and of itself, but there was just an emptiness that I was missing the first semester. I missed the “always busy” feeling I had in high school, the one that I always wished away. With it gone, I had no idea how much I would miss it. I decided it was time to be 100% me.
My current spring semester is filling me with an overall feeling of satisfaction in what I am pursuing. I have finally declared a major after some period of indecisiveness and am happily fulfilling my dream of becoming a psychologist.
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I’ve decided to take on some leadership responsibility and joined Student Government in order to be able to have a voice on campus. In addition, I followed my passion of singing and joined Cal Singers, an elite and selective choir on campus. To follow that, I have increased my participation in clubs and have improved upon my status in the Honors Program as well.
I am taking difficult major-based classes and am working a lot more than last semester. I am supporting my school and joined the chapter of Her Campus. I am stressed and overwhelmed and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Gone are the feelings of uncertainty and doubt, and replacing them are happiness and stability.
Don’t get me wrong. There are definitely challenges of being in college. Sometimes, the stress is just a little too unbearable, and I need to step back and take time to readjust. But the choice is yours. These are the best years of your life or the worst. Make them count; I know I will.