Ever since I was a little girl, I was told that college would be “the best four years of my life.” Between romanticized portrayals of the college experience in media and anecdotal stories from others, I had high expectations for my first year at a university.
College life is commonly depicted as an exciting experience between constant parties, developing friendships and newfound independence. Hence, when I started school, I expected life as a college student would be much more exciting and different than my former lifestyle.
Now, as my first year ends, I am left to ponder on one question: “Has my first year of college lived up to my expectations?”
To put it simply, I have had a much different experience so far than what I expected.
As a commuter, I have not seen much of a shift in my lifestyle. Unlike many of my peers, I am not living alone for the first time surrounded by strangers who I must befriend to have any sort of social life.
Instead, I still live in my childhood home in the town I have lived in my whole life, still work at the same job and still spend most of my free time with my friends from high school. I have had the opportunity to stick to what is comfortable, and I have chosen to do so throughout this year.
Although I sometimes feel discontent as my college life has not been as exciting as I expected, I am thankful for the decisions I have made. Since I do not have to worry about creating and maintaining my new lifestyle, I have had the opportunity to grow.
Throughout this school year, I have gained a better understanding of who I am as a student and person. Although I have not made many close friends yet, I have met many amazing professors and fellow students who have inspired me and guided me on my path for the future.
Taking what I have learned both inside and outside of the classroom, I can better navigate the world, recognize my strengths and feel more competent moving forward through college and eventually my career.
If high school senior me could see me now, she would probably be a little disappointed that I have a lack of “crazy college stories,” but she would be proud of the person college has helped me become.
