Starting college was something I had been dreading all summer long. It’s not like I adore summer time, or that college is some sort of evil place parents send their children to for thousands upon thousands of dollars. It was more that I didn’t want to leave my cat, or my bed, or my books, or my family. The whole drive up to Columbus, I was constantly trying to distract myself with any other thoughts. Even when I unpacked, I dawdled. I felt sick and incredibly lost and definitely out of my element.
That first weekend was hard. I was exhausted and hot, but I had to keep myself sociable. I made quick friends with Traci, my roommate. I had been worried about that, and I had absolutely no idea what she would be like. However, she’s been wonderful and sarcastic and accepting of my many quirks (and I have been equally accepting of hers). Though I didn’t enjoy that first Sunday, I skipped out of convocation on Monday in order to explore campus, properly decorate, talk to my mom and watch the squirrels on the Oval. I’m not one for big groups, and the down time really helped me settle myself more.
As the week hit and classes started, I was initially very nervous about getting to them (and thus arriving to my first class an hour early- it was an 8 am). Traci and I would take walks around campus at dusk to figure out where all our classes were, and we made friends with the girls across the hall. Sam and Kass are some of my favorite people here now- they both brighten my day, and though I know it is hard for them to be apart from their loved ones, knowing that it’s hard for them too makes me feel a little better.
My first week ended on a stressful note because I had to take an exam to raise me a level in French. After a time of stressing out about what to do, I took the test. I went in with the mindset that if I didn’t pass that test and was stuck in the French class I had been placed, I would have to leave Ohio State and go somewhere else to pursue my major. Luckily, I passed and my new friends and I celebrated on Friday by nabbing dinner at Noodles and Company and getting some Insomnia Cookies.
On Saturday, we celebrated Sam’s eighteenth birthday and the ability to sleep in as late as we wanted to.
All in all, the first week wasn’t terrible. It had its rough patches, but I came out more confident in myself, and with a couple of new friends to keep me positive. I’m looking forward to being able to explore the city and having new adventures.