Article by: Jessica Gutierrez
College. The word with many meanings and interpretations. I am a first generation college student. Growing up as an only child in a small town, I was very excited to start this new chapter of my life. My nerves really started to kick in after I found out one of my best friends was not going to be living with me in the dorm.
Sometimes, things do not work out the way you want them to. I was not sure if I would love or hate my new roommate. You are not always going to be best friends with your roommate. That is something you should really take into consideration. In short, you are not going to get along with everyone, especially in college.
I did end up developing really amazing friendships with a couple of people. I met a girl named Deanna and the first day I met her, I already wanted her to be my best friend. College is a place where you really can find your friend soulmate. She is definitely mine. We look similar, have similar views, and we can eat a whole jar of chocolate hummus together while also playing Spot It. (If you play Spot It with me, I am very slow. You’re going to win and laugh at my face)
I have adjusted to college better than I thought I would. I have not had as much crying sessions which is great. If you ever want to cry with me, just ask me for my number. It is a weird concept having only two classes a day. On Thursdays, I have three. I thought 8:30 wouldn’t be bad. It’s a real struggle in itself to get out of bed. If you are not a morning person, I would not recommend taking an 8:30.
Obviously, I joined Her Campus which I am very proud and excited to be a part of. I recently joined M.I.S.S. which I am also excited to be a part of. I was not as involved as I wanted to be in high school, so this is my chance to really take all of the opportunities and chances I can get. It is also a chance to get out of my comfort zone. Maybe I will study abroad when my bank account looks happy and satisfied.
Funny enough, I actually ended up getting a boyfriend right before college. I met him on Tinder. Love is out there, sometimes you just have to shoot your shot and go on Tinder. The thought of having a boyfriend in college never really came up in my mind, considering I have been single since birth. I thought I would be too busy with school and work in college. Life gives you what you least expect, I am happy about that. He is such a supportive and loving boyfriend. He adds extra joy in my life. Thank you for being my boyfriend Alejandro. I appreciate you more than I can say. (Hi, I hope you’re reading this)
Overall, I am really enjoying college. The workload is manageable. I have made a few genuine friendships. I am learning about the different resources I can use. Avoiding the freshman 15 is a bit difficult. Carrot cake cupcakes are my weakness. I promise I will start eating healthier and going to the gym on October 1st. I already wrote it down on my calendar, so you know that it is serious. College is for me, not for anyone else. I am the only one who can determine if I am successful or not and how much I gain from the whole experience. I want to put my best work forward and I cannot wait to see what the next four years has in store for me. I am hoping that I graduate and find a good career afterwards.