My first semester at OSU was a plethora of events. These varied from seeing Joe Biden (and Josh Hutcherson), going to a concert for the first time by myself, and the numerous late night runs to Sloopy’s. It involved laying on the Oval late at night, listening to Taylor Swift. It involved dancing in the amphitheater near Mirror Lake on Halloween, belting ‘The Time Warp’ at the tops of our lungs. UDF chocolate milkshakes, seeing Hitchcock films at the Gateway Film Center, wandering through the Short North, pulling all-nighters just to wind up at Waffle House at 5 am. It consisted of all this, and more.

I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been worried about college. However, to be more realistic, I dreaded college. I dreaded being away from my home, my cat, and the life I have back in Cincinnati. It’s not as if going to OSU is the best choice I have made thus far, but it’s not a terrible choice. I’ve made friends here. I’ve fallen into a routine. I have a fish named Zelda and two windowsill plants that rely on me. I have a roommate that I’m so glad to have in my life, and I’m taking courses that interest me- at least, most of them.

I’ve discovered that I’m more independent than I thought I was. I’ve pushed past my fears and anxieties and have attempted to make a life for myself here. I like to think I even succeeded. I’ve worked hard in my classes, and I’ve adjusted well enough. I miss my family, however. I miss not having to venture out of my home for food. I miss familiarity in a place I’ve always belonged. However, I feel as if everyone misses this. And if we miss this collectively, then it isn’t so bad. Myself, and all of these people scurrying about campus, all have a home outside of this one. However, it’s when we start to acknowledge this, and form connections beyond this that we, perhaps, can belong in a place that is far from where we started. That’s what is making my college experience thus far a success. I have people here with whom I can relate, and who care for me for who I am. Without that, I wouldn’t be able to survive here. But with it, I can thrive.

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.

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