Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

A Reflection of My First Semester at Sonoma State

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Ashley Napier Student Contributor, Sonoma State
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Sonoma Contributor Student Contributor, Sonoma State
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Sonoma chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

I have never been the girl who makes fast friends or completely dive’s into something new without dipping my toe in the water first.  I am hard to get to know, but easy to get along with. I am ok with being on my own, but still love company.  I am committed and focused on everything I do and I plan on becoming someone who makes the world a little bit better.  That is what I learned after being at Sonoma State for a little over four months.  

My first semester at Sonoma State was everything and nothing I expected it to be.  I came to Sonoma from Los Angeles to experience what it was like eight hours away from home in a small town that isn’t remotely similar to my own.  From my stay here I have experienced so much.

I may not have gotten the traditional “college experience” I was expecting, but this semester still turned out pretty great.  I made a few new friends who have kept boring classes pretty fun and have met many more great people I hope to get to know better.  I got a new job on campus that has taught me about the world of publishing, even if it’s just a small portion of it. Best of all, this semester has taught me about myself and the work I want to do.

I have always had a passion for writing and when I started school I made it my mission to take every chance I get at writing and publishing.  Writing for Her Campus once a week has given me that chance and I can not be more grateful.  Now there is not a doubt in my mind that I want to be a journalist.

I learned about my stamina.  Throughout the week I would go to work, then immediately to class and only have about an hour in the middle of the day to relax.  I now know how much I can take on at once.  

Most important of all, I learned that I am ok with being alone sometimes.  I still haven’t made a ton of new friends,  making weekends and trips to the caf a little tough for me, but I learned to just say “fuck it!”  I still have plenty of time to make friends and build a better social life and honestly who cares whether you’re sitting in the caf alone?  I used to be terrified of seeming lonely, but now I learned that I am ok with being a little lonely at times because it’s completely natural after being away from home for the first time in a new town.  

I am honestly really excited for the next few years I have at Sonoma State and a happy end of first semester to all!

 

Like this article? Here are some related one’s!

 

My name is Ashley Napier and I am a writer for the Her Campus Sonoma State chapter.
Contributor account for HC Sonoma