It’s that time of year again in Denver! Students are returning to campus, or for some, they are arriving for their first time ever! Some of you are first-years that had about a week to move in and adjust to your new environment; however, some of you come from other universities with varying grade levels. Nonetheless, you all may be feeling some type of discomfort in this new environment. Whether or not that discomfort comes from unfamiliar locations, being surrounded by new people, or missing home do not feel alone. There are hundreds of students around the world, and within our own community, feeling the same way.
I went through the same thing all over again almost two months ago at my study abroad institution in the southern hemisphere. I was a new students in a new country with a new family and home; so, I would like to remind all the first-year and transfer students beginning this academic school year that everything will be okay and you will rock it. Here are some tips from my experiences that may help ease the stress and anxiety!
1. Remember your resources
Our culture sometimes pushes for us to remain on our own and continue to persevere despite the odds; that we can always do things if we put our mind to it. What this misses though is how important it is for us to also rely on our ‘allies,’ those who are there to help us conquer the odds. At DU, especially during O-Week, you may encounter the many resources and helpful people on campus. Use them. Your FSEM professor, your OL, your RA, your orientation group, and probably any staff or faculty member you encounter during this week. I probably texted my OL five times a day asking where buildings were, well maybe not that much, but either way she was always there to answer me or connect me to someone that knows the answer. Here at La Universidad Nacional (UNA), I’ve had to reach out many times to my fellow peers and my program’s staff to locate buildings and classes (this whole university is more of a maze than Sturm, and that’s saying something), figure out the right classes to take, and where to have some safe fun!
Throughout the first month, I was always exploring the campus and learning more about my environment through my FSEM peers, even if we felt more like acquaintances than friends. I reached out to people asking all I could, but one regret I have is not visiting the HCC as much as I should have when I was stressed. This is an amazing resource to use for venting, talking about stress, figuring out a game plan, and maybe discovering somewhere else to get the help you need. And, just like the HCC, many of the faculty working at the financial aid, registrar, academic advising and bursars office as well as the faculty working within their own departments are ready to provide you with wisdom to determine your path and place at DU and/or direct you to where you should go. I could go on and on, but do not forget to reach out to those around you and those supporting you from afar (family and friends from home)!
2. Remember to embrace your new chapter
Growing up, I moved around a lot… like switching schools five times before the age of 10. I was always the new, awkward girl as the introverted ginger I am; however, the more I was the new girl the more I was used to feeling awkward and out of place. Especially here in Costa Rica, where I have seen one other natural red head but still no ginger, I am an outsider visually. On top of that, my Spanish is not perfect and my pronunciation and dialect are clearly not from Costa Rica. Nonetheless, being so out of my comfort zone has allowed me to embrace my differences and become my own person here. I take the bus every day to and from school with the same 4 alternating drivers, the same roads, and the same horrible breaking sound of each bus. My tico y tica (Costa Rican) peers in class wave to me when passing by, and I no longer feel lost finding my way to my classes. I also made new friendships despite a language barrier at times. Remember that although you are new, this is a new chapter of your life and you will adjust. When we are out of our comfort zone we are able to learn more about who we are and what we want to become.
3. Remember to retain stability
Whether you are in a new home or a new living space or maybe just around new people, I have found that one of the best ways to aid transitions in life is to retain some type of stability in your life. This could be a favorite snack from home or maybe a movie or TV that is dear to your community or doing your nails every two weeks. Whatever you feel will give you the best sense of control and nostalgia while you grow during this new chapter, do not be afraid or ashamed of it. For me, I binge eat cream cheese and crackers because it was a childhood snack of mine, plus mi familia tica here loves it too! Find your home and you can always have it with you.