My first year of college was a really fun and deeply formative learning experience. Coming into Temple University, I got a small but meaningful taste of what college life feels like for the first time; new independence, new people, new expectations, and a pace that forces you to grow up a little faster than you planned. Looking back, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed the journey so far, and I’m genuinely excited about what the rest of my college career continues to bring.
That being said, my first year wasn’t without stress. There were definitely moments where things felt overwhelming academically, socially, and personally. There’s an adjustment period that no one really prepares you for, where you’re figuring out how to manage time, how to advocate for yourself, and how to stay grounded when everything feels like it’s moving at once. But I didn’t let those moments define my experience. Instead, I learned how to work through them, and in doing so, I started to establish myself more confidently as an underclassman on campus.
A huge part of that growth came from my involvement in writing and media spaces at Temple. One of the organizations that really shaped my experience is Her Campus. It quickly became more than just an extracurricular for me. It became a space where I could actually breathe, create, and connect. Every meeting felt like a reset: sitting with other women who were just as passionate as me about writing, sharing ideas, and building something together. Beyond the writing itself, it gave me community. I was able to form friendships in a way that felt natural and supportive, and that social connection made campus feel a lot less overwhelming and a lot more like home.
Alongside that, I also started working at The Temple News, where I serve as a writer and assistant opinion editor. That role challenged me in ways I didn’t fully expect at the beginning of the year. Starting out, I didn’t always feel fully confident in my editorial voice or even sure of what my place would be within the section. Navigating that uncertainty while still being expected to produce, edit, and contribute consistently pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
Over time, though, I began to grow into the role. The more I wrote, edited, and collaborated, the more I found myself genuinely enjoying the work. I started to care more deeply about the pieces I was producing and the conversations they contributed to. What began as something I was trying to figure out slowly turned into something I truly love.
More importantly, working for a demanding student publication has strengthened me emotionally. It’s taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay steady under pressure. I’ve learned how to ask for help when I need it instead of trying to carry everything alone, and I’ve learned how to keep going even when deadlines stack up or ideas don’t come easily. That kind of environment builds resilience in a way that carries over into every other part of life.
Both of these writing spaces Her Campus and The Temple News have also expanded my social world in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. I’ve met people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise, built connections through collaboration, and gained access to networking opportunities that continue to shape how I see my future here. Writing didn’t just become an academic or professional outlet for me; it became a bridge into community.
If I had to give first-year advice based on my experience, it would be this: get involved early, especially in spaces that allow you to express yourself. You don’t have to have everything figured out when you start. A lot of growth comes from showing up consistently, even when you’re still unsure of your place. The right environments will help you develop not just your skills, but also your confidence and your sense of belonging.
As I move forward in my college journey, I’m grateful for how this first year has shaped me. It’s been a mix of adjustment, challenge, connection, and growth, but most of all, it’s been a foundation. And I’m looking forward to building on it.