Freshman Year
Part I: What? So What?
If I had to choose the three most significant events of my freshman year, they would be: finding community, taking classes with more than one student (and having instructors!), and although it is a cliche, living away from home.
All three of these stem from being home schooled (which I mention a lot, bear with me). I never had a community that I belonged in growing up because I've moved around so much, but at UC I quickly found one and felt comfortable with a group of people for the first time in my life. I didn't expect for it to turn out this way and I am so grateful. Although learning how to interract with a group of people had some pretty horrible moments, in the end I have grown so much as a person and my self confidence and self worth have increased exponentially. I even have had the opportunity to pursue music on the side playing at Catskeller, which I wouldn't have had the confidence to do before this year.
Having instructors is a blessing. Teaching yourself or spending countless hours looking for help is a very stressful time and takes away from the academics you should be focusing on. Having professors willing to help you in any way they can was an amazing experience, and made me realize how much I would love to be a professor.
Lastly, living away from home was an experience! I had never been away from my family for an extended period of time, and all of a sudden there I was on my own with no one to hold me accountable for anything. I have always been (obnoxiously) independent, so although at first it was a fantastic feeling, I soon realized that even though I am taking care of myself, I can rely on the emotional support of my family. Finding the balance was key, and has made me a much happier person.
Part II: Now What?
With all the nervousness of being thrown into freshman year gone, I am looking forward to continuing my academic career at UC. Going in, I was nervous about pretty much everything; meeting people, keeping up with classes, remembering the correct use of a semicolon, etc. But with that out of the way, I am very confident going into this year knowing that even if it's tough, I can absolutely make it through and get the degree that I sought for to begin with.
I am very grateful for the University Honors Program because of the awesome support from the advisors. I had the opportunity to work front desk in their office, and each advisor very obviously cares about their students. It is very comforting knowing that I have people to go to with academic problems that can give me an unbiased opinion and help in any way they can.
Going into next year, I will be working part-time and I will be a full-time student while trying to maintain a social life (it's important, who needs sleep), and my plan is to hit the ground running but schedule time to chill out and relax so I don't get burnt out. So dear me going into your second year of college, don't burn yourself out.
If I had to choose the three most significant events of my freshman year, they would be: finding community, taking classes with more than one student (and having instructors!), and although it is a cliche, living away from home.
All three of these stem from being home schooled (which I mention a lot, bear with me). I never had a community that I belonged in growing up because I've moved around so much, but at UC I quickly found one and felt comfortable with a group of people for the first time in my life. I didn't expect for it to turn out this way and I am so grateful. Although learning how to interract with a group of people had some pretty horrible moments, in the end I have grown so much as a person and my self confidence and self worth have increased exponentially. I even have had the opportunity to pursue music on the side playing at Catskeller, which I wouldn't have had the confidence to do before this year.
Having instructors is a blessing. Teaching yourself or spending countless hours looking for help is a very stressful time and takes away from the academics you should be focusing on. Having professors willing to help you in any way they can was an amazing experience, and made me realize how much I would love to be a professor.
Lastly, living away from home was an experience! I had never been away from my family for an extended period of time, and all of a sudden there I was on my own with no one to hold me accountable for anything. I have always been (obnoxiously) independent, so although at first it was a fantastic feeling, I soon realized that even though I am taking care of myself, I can rely on the emotional support of my family. Finding the balance was key, and has made me a much happier person.
Part II: Now What?
With all the nervousness of being thrown into freshman year gone, I am looking forward to continuing my academic career at UC. Going in, I was nervous about pretty much everything; meeting people, keeping up with classes, remembering the correct use of a semicolon, etc. But with that out of the way, I am very confident going into this year knowing that even if it's tough, I can absolutely make it through and get the degree that I sought for to begin with.
I am very grateful for the University Honors Program because of the awesome support from the advisors. I had the opportunity to work front desk in their office, and each advisor very obviously cares about their students. It is very comforting knowing that I have people to go to with academic problems that can give me an unbiased opinion and help in any way they can.
Going into next year, I will be working part-time and I will be a full-time student while trying to maintain a social life (it's important, who needs sleep), and my plan is to hit the ground running but schedule time to chill out and relax so I don't get burnt out. So dear me going into your second year of college, don't burn yourself out.