As I prepare to drop my son off for his Junior year at Virginia State University, I can’t help but to think about my first year at Loyola Marymount University. The first year of college is often described as a time of significant change, and in my experience, that couldn’t be more accurate. As I look back on that first year, I realize it was a journey filled with highs and lows, excitement and anxiety, growth and self-discovery. The excitement of independence stepping onto campus for the first time felt like entering a new world. The independence I had longed for was finally mine. No more curfews, no more checking in with my mom —I was free to make my own decisions. This newfound freedom was exhilarating, but it also came with responsibilities I hadn’t fully anticipated. The thrill of decorating my dorm room, picking out classes, and meeting new people made the first few weeks fly by. The energy on campus was contagious, and I quickly found myself swept up in the excitement of college life. So many things were happening on campus. The freshman party was epic. Everyone came out to the quad and danced and sang along to the latest music.
My first year came with academic challenges and learning curves. The academic side of college quickly brought me back down to earth. High school had been relatively easy, but college courses were a different beast altogether. The workload was heavier, the expectations higher, and the pace faster. I’ll admit, there were moments when I felt overwhelmed. Balancing homework, lectures, and studying was a challenge. I was good at not procrastinating in high school, but for some reason I fell into the trap of procrastination in college and found out the hard way – it doesn’t work in college. But with time, I developed better study habits and learned to manage my time more effectively. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it was visiting professors during office hours, forming study groups, or utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers, I realized that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What is college life without the social scene. Orientation week was a whirlwind of icebreakers, club fairs, and social events. I met more people in those first few days than I could remember, and while some of those connections faded, others blossomed into lasting friendships. There were awkward moments too—getting lost on campus, stumbling through conversations with strangers, and the inevitable homesickness that hit when I least expected it. Yes, I went to school close to home, but I did not have a car right away and could not just up and leave to go home. Sitting in the room wishing I was home in my own bed or hanging with my high school friends pulled at my heartstrings. But these experiences were all part of the process. Each awkward encounter helped me grow more comfortable in my skin, and each wave of homesickness made me appreciate the support system I was building on campus. I also learned the importance of finding a balance between socializing and taking time for myself. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of college life, but I found that carving out time to relax, reflect, and recharge was essential for my well-being.
The devastation of 9/11 happened during my freshman year. Heading to my first class in
University Hall and having security come through yelling everyone head back to your dorm was such a scary moment. I get back to my dorm and my roommate is crying uncontrollably. At that moment I was not aware of what was going on until…the news reporter showing the plane crashing. My roommate was from New York and could not get in contact with any of her family members. Her uncle worked in the twin towers and the phones were not working. She was crying and all I knew to do was hold her and wipe her tears. The university held a mass that evening and we attended and prayed for her family. We later found out that her uncle was running late that morning and was not in the office at the time of the crash. That whole event brought us closer together.
The personal growth I experienced was perhaps the most significant part of my first year of college. I found myself exploring new interests, questioning old beliefs, and learning more about who I was. From joining clubs to trying out new hobbies, I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone. I discovered passions I didn’t know I had and developed a clearer sense of what I want from life. Freshman year taught me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out—college is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. This was difficult to understand especially when my God sister passed away from Water on the Brain. I was so lost.
She was only 2 years old. How could this happen? I was so sad. My focus became all about her loss and not about school. I had to find my support system to help me navigate all of it and get back on track. Freshman year of college was a mix of emotions—relief, pride, excitement, and a bit of nervousness. But mostly, I feel grateful for the experiences and lessons that year brought. The challenges, the friendships, the late-night study sessions, and the moments of self-discovery shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I was grateful for the journey and ready to embrace whatever came next. To anyone about to embark on their first year of college, my advice is this: Embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs. College is a time of immense growth, and while it may not always be easy, it’s an experience that will shape you in ways you never expected.
Comentarios