With the end of the semester, it’s hard not to reminisce about my first year here at Penn State. It was only a little over a year ago that I officially committed to Penn State, and since moving into my small freshman dorm back in August, I have made new friends, experienced new opportunities, and have become a new and better version of myself. It is crazy to think about how much my life has changed over the past few months, and I would not trade any of it for the world. While I am excited about the possibilities that the next year has to offer, there are definitely some things I am going to miss about being a freshman (seriously, there are some pros.)
For all of you freshman who are in as much disbelief as I am that this year is over, here are seven things to appreciate about freshman year at Penn State.
1. Senior friends
While the end of this semester brings excitement and anticipation for the year to come, it also means having to say goodbye to some of the people who made freshman year the amazing experience that it was. Make sure to spend some extra time with your favorite seniors before the big day arrives.
2. Meal points
With one of my most-used phrases being, “Do you take meal points?” it will be difficult to adjust to paying for things with real money. Appreciate the 65% discount at The Mix and West Wing while it lasts because before you know it, your days of swiping your ID like a boss will be long gone.
3. Dorms
Believe it or not, living in a dorm does have its advantages. Despite the fact that it is the size of a shoebox, it’s nice to have somewhere to go in between classes to take a quick power nap.
4. First football game
While you have plenty of trips to Beaver Stadium in your future for the next few years, walking into Beaver Stadium for the first time is an unforgettable experience. Rain or shine, win or lose, the student section is one of my favorite places to be.
5. First THON
When I first walked into the BJC back in February, I couldn’t have imagined the whirlwind I was in for. Never in my life have I experienced a feeling as indescribable as THON, and I will never forget the people and the memories we shared that made that weekend what it was.
6. Gen Eds
While some might cringe at the sound of “gen eds,” they’re not all bad. Having a plethora of different and random classes to take can be an interesting experience. I was always meaning to get around to learning about the history of hip-hop, so why not fulfill an art requirement while I’m at it?
7. Being a freshman
In just a few short months, you will be returning to State College as a sophomore, so embrace the little time you have left as a freshman! Go the dining hall, hang out with your friends on the quad, or just take a moment to appreciate all of the amazing memories you have created over this past year. And remember, a day spent as a freshman in Happy Valley is better than a day spent anywhere else.
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