I became a Dickinson student nine months ago, but now I’m only three weeks away from saying goodbye to my first year. I remember around this time last year being so anxious to come here. I was ready to make new friends and find a home away from home. When I first got to college I was afraid to open up and talk to people I had never met before. I was afraid I wouldn’t make any friends or enjoy my experience because Carlisle is so different from New York.
It’s finally the end of the year and things have definitely turned around. I found a family in the girls on my floor; we take care of each other and are there for each other. I love having someone to talk to when I need to and anyone on my floor welcomes me with open arms. I have so many moments when I look around the room and think, “This is why I came to college.”
I have learned to live away from home and be okay with it. I love being in New York and being with my family, but it is also comforting to know that I have a place in the world elsewhere and I am not stuck in an urban bubble. I have grown here at Dickinson. I’ve learned how to take responsibility for myself and speak up when I have to.
So, I’m thankful for my first year here, it has definitely given me so many more opportunities than before. I can’t believe my freshman year is almost done, but luckily my journey at Dickinson hasn’t ended yet.