The transition from high school to college offers an exciting opportunity to meet new people and try new activities. At times, the people and possibilities can seem both overwhelming and intimidating. Personally, I wondered how I could even begin to find a niche in such a large, diverse and talented community. As cliché as the concept of a fish in a pond may be, it almost perfectly summarizes my time in high school. It wasn’t too difficult to stand out in a class with just over two hundred students. At my school, everyone knew everyone, and there were opportunities for even the most reserved person to stand out.
Next school year, I’ll be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a large public university with an undergraduate enrollment of over 18,500. At first, I was worried about the social shift involved in moving from a small high school to a very large college campus. I experienced several benefits in choosing a large state school. For example, there was a great deal of outreach to minority students and also to students that were coming from small towns and schools. The university made providing support to these students a major priority, which I appreciated as someone who fit into all of those categories. Examples of this outreach included invitations to cultural events on campus, as well as opportunities to speak with upperclassmen that had been in my position. I really appreciated the attention and the opportunities to meet people and learn more about the school.
I participated in several recruitment programs planned by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, and I slowly established a network of current students, professors, and alumni without even realizing it. In most cases, the people I met were sincerely and actively interested in my talents and passions, and were eager for me to share them with my new school community. I formed genuine and unique bonds with amazing people and expanded my network of resources and support.
During my junior year, I attended Project Uplift, a program aimed at exposing high school juniors from around the country to the many opportunities and experiences that await them at UNC Chapel Hill. At the start of the program, I only knew one person, but this number quickly grew. I instantly bonded with one girl over an inside joke about straws in the dining hall and another after I helped to lower her dangerously lofted bed. I couldn’t believe it when I learned that both of them were from my hometown. One of the girls went to school less than five miles from my school! We remained friends even after the program was over.
My advice to anyone entering college in the fall would be to make the most of services and opportunities offered to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make contacts. I think most people would be surprised at how helpful it is to have formed bonds and relationships before you even set foot on campus. It can make all the difference in your college experience.