When I first came to George Mason as a freshman, I knew it was going to be a challenge to find friends, find student organizations and find my place. Sure, starting college is a scary and exciting time in everyone’s lives, and it’s definitely a different experience for all.
For one, I knew that my experience would be shaped by the fact that I was commuting from home to campus.
I didn’t want for it to be that way, but it was really hard to avoid falling into the cycle of going to class and going straight home. Classes were tough, there was a lot I had to do, and I wanted to give myself as much time as possible to adjust as best as I could. I was miserable and uncomfortable during my first semester at Mason. Sure, I was making friends in my classes and I was doing well academically, but I just wasn’t happy. Every weekend I would look at Snapchat stories from my high school friends at other colleges. They would be out and about with their new friends, having fun and doing “normal college stuff” as I put it. I just felt like I was lacking so much in terms of the “college experience.” I didn’t feel confident and I would rarely approach anyone on campus, unless I already knew them.
Coming into my second semester, I had a better mentality.
I was getting more comfortable on campus and I made more and more friends in my classes- but there was still something missing. It seemed like everyone had found their place in different organizations. People all around me were so passionate about what they liked to do and what kind of things they took part in- and I only craved that.
That’s when I came across Her Campus George Mason. It consisted of a group of women passionate about writing and all things college. What could be better?
I applied to be a writer without expecting much, but after joining this team of talented women, I can now say that I am a more confident writer and student.
The Her Campus team, across the boards, has offered me a place to be heard on this bustling campus. Being part of this team has granted me with experience as a journalist, a teammate, and as an active student on campus. I’ve been able to adopt time management skills through chapter meetings and deadlines, as well as a sense of self. Writing for Her Campus has given me a platform to connect with other college women and journalists, and I hope the people currently in my position last year, find their voice here too.
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From uncomfortable freshman, to future Editor-In-Chief, I have blossomed thanks to Her Campus.