The past four weeks have been a blur of meeting new people and exploring different cultures on campus. Here are my best times on campus so far:
- Dance Parties
One of the best things to do on campus is to throw on some music and dance silly around my room. I love the feeling of dancing like no one is watching. I also break a sweat (added bonus!). Honestly, college is full of new challenges, so dancing to detox is golden. If you ever need a stress-free break from everything, turn on Spotify and get your groove on!
- Football Games
I may not be an avid sports fan, but I do love live events. The football games here at ASU are awesome, especially If you’re a band member, like me. There is nothing like the thrill of finishing pregame and having all the football players running past you. In addition to pregame, the band members get to play in the pep band while watching the game; the traditions I get to experience with my fellow bandmates are very special. I would highly recommend attending either a football game or any sporting event on campus; the social experience is unique and exciting.
- Feelings revealed
I’ve learned to be braver on campus. I decided with a little, or rather huge nudge from my roommate, that I should tell my longtime crush that I liked him. In the past, there was no reason to tell him, it was an impossibility as he lived across the country. However, when I heard we were going to the same college, the possibility was finally there. I contemplated whether telling him would hurt our friendship, but while weighing the pros and cons, I realized it was a win-win situation. Telling him would either mean we could have a great relationship, or just stay friends. So, I did it! I felt a huge release when I told him. We decided to stay friends, but now I have the freedom to find something real. If there is ever someone you have liked for a long time and you’ve been afraid to tell them, trust me, knowing the truth is better than spiraling in doubts. Be brave! I promise it will be worth it.
- Finding a true friend
In the first week or so of college, the goal is to make friends. There is plenty of small talk and playing nice, so when you find someone, you connect with its magic! The mingling moments were a little rough at first, but when I met my friend, Raquel, we felt like we had known each other for years. It is amazing! There are times when I can look at her and say nothing, and yet we get each other. I can laugh so easily with her and talk about nearly anything. Finding your people makes everything else click into place.
- Salsa Night
There is a salsa club on campus here at ASU, and it is a blast! I went to their little social, they gave us a lesson, then let us freestyle. It was a great way to get out of my comfort zone while discovering a completely different culture on campus. They put on some Latin music so we could practice our steps; everyone gets a partner and tries not to step on each other’s toes. One of the highlights was the dance circle where the expert dancers got to show off their skills. It’s amazing the rhythm people can have when they connect. In addition to learning dance, I also learned a life lesson. I was hit on by an older guy and had to kindly push away his interest in me. Never had I encountered something this uncomfy in my life, and now having gone through it, I feel better prepared for future situations. Overall, salsa was a very positive experience.Â
I hope everyone has the chance to break out of their comfort zone on campus. College throws many new challenges and experiences at you, but the wild ride allows you to grow and become stronger. If I have learned anything in these past four weeks, it is to try new things because in the end what have you got to lose? Lastly, I hope you get to have fun on campus, whether it’s dancing around your room or cheering on the sun devils at a game. Make your college experience everything you’ve dreamed of and more!