As school comes to a close, there are many reasons for celebration: Graduations, family parties and vacations, even just a chance to sit back and relax before school starts up again in August. While not on a scale as grand as graduation, the class of 2013 also has a reason for a pat on the back. Congratulations classmates; we have survived our first year of college life!
For many of us, this was our first time leaving home and living on our own for an extended period of time. By choosing residence hall life, we opened ourselves up to a new world of experiences and, unfortunately, problems. We began to wonder if we would get along with our roommates; if the food would be better or worse than high school; will I struggle in my classes; will I even survive this one year?
We turned to the tip-books for college students, Facebook forums and even RateMyProfessors.com for little clues as to what college would be like. However, the best way to learn is by experience, and we began our college journey with hopes and prayers for the best.
Luckily for most of us, these worries proved to be nothing to worry about. Our roommates are some of the best people we know; the food, while sometimes questionable, is not really all that bad; we worked out our time management issues and found our niche when it came to homework and the Arts & Ideas program; and, in the culmination of our hard work, we have thus survived freshman year 2010.
Now, we set our sights on sophomore year: Sharing a suite with some friends, hanging out with sorority sisters/fraternity brothers, and continuing to be an active part in any student organizations we belong to. Our summers are looking pretty good as well. Maybe you’re taking a summer class or getting a summer job; or going on a much needed vacation with your family. Even though our school year draws to a close, our college experience has only just begun.
I would not change a thing about the start of my college experience. My biggest worry was that I would not get along with my roommate. After all, I’d never met her and had no idea what to do if we could not get along. The good news is that we clicked right away, and she is now one of the best people in my life. It was also very easy to meet the other people that I am now friends with; whether it was in class or at a meeting that I just happened to attend, everyone here at Lewis is very welcoming.
A piece of advice that I received, lived and would gladly pass on to the freshmen of next year is to get involved. There are plenty of organizations on campus, and I’m sure there is something for everyone. These are the places to meet new people and ultimately get your experience off to a great start. Even for the upperclassmen, there has got to be something for you.
Thank you Lewis University for a spectacular freshman year! I have enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait for the next three years!
Amanda Foresta, Staff Writer
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