BUT:

I’d like to run more often, but I never feel like I have the energy.

I’d like to stop procrastinating writing assignments, but I have trouble feeling motivated to write.

I’d like to get in involved with more clubs on campus, but I have trouble keeping track of events and meetings.

I’d like to experiment with cooking, but there is no kitchen in Baker.

I’d like to make more new friends, but it can be scary to introduce myself to new people.

AND:

I’d like to run more often, but I never feel like I have the energy. So I should plan set times to run into my schedule.

I’d like to stop procrastinating writing assignments, but I have trouble feeling motivated to write. So I should visit the Yonkin Success Center’s writing and procrastination workshops.

I’d like to get in involved with more clubs on campus, but I have trouble keeping track of events and meetings. So I should use my calendar on my phone to remind and update me.

I’d like to experiment with cooking, but there is no kitchen in Baker. So I should borrow cooking tools from the front desk, buy ingredients at Kroger, and use the kitchen at Smith-Steeb.

I’d like to make more new friends, but it can be scary to introduce myself to new people. So I should remind myself of how everyone is in a similar position and push my comfort zone.

“Everything is kind of up in the air, like I don’t really know about the future.”

This is Mayu. In 2005, her family moved to Cincinnati from Japan for her father’s work. Mayu was only eight years old and didn’t know the language or have any family who lived in the United States, so the transition was a hard one. Over the years, she settled into life and learned English. Despite living the majority of her life here, Mayu has one distinction from many other people living in the United States; she is not considered a citizen. This distinction prevents Mayu from being employed and pursuing her passions. Although she is artistically talented she would not be able to develop her skills in a U.S. college because she would have to choose a major that would make her attractive to companies that sponsor academic visas. She will soon move to California to live with her mother. For the next year while she tries to obtain her green card she will be able to work at a family owned ramen shop. She is worried about the move, her relationship with her mother and stepfather, and making new friends while staying in touch with the old. Hopefully she will be able to get her green card and soon thereafter begin attending college. Mayu does not know what the future has in store for her, but we are all hoping for the best.

This week has been a whirlwind! On the car ride down to move in, I did not think about anything. I’ve lived in the same house my whole life and I couldn’t even conceptualize what it would be like to live somewhere new, without knowing anyone, and living in a dorm with a stranger. My head was such a mixture of stress and excitement that it seemed easier to just turn it all off while we were on the road and pretend that nothing was happening. Once we finally arrive, all the thoughts I had over the summer came to life. I was on campus, my new home! At first I felt eager to kick my parents out and get my college life started. Now that I miss them, I wish I had been less hasty and let them stay for a bit! Although I was anxious that I would have a hard time meeting people, Baker East helped those fears melt away. By the first night I was already talking to new friends and making plans for the weekend. In contrast, I have been a little overwhelmed by this first week (and a half) of classes. My brain is still in summer mode and it is hard to get motivated to do my work, especially with so many fun campus events always going on. However, I already can tell that I like all of my professors and TAs quite a bit, they all seem highly passionate about sharing their fields of study with undergrads. During my free time, I am trying to get out of my summer slump and get my feet moving. I have gone on four or so runs since I got to campus, and I am extremely out of shape! I plan to keep trying to squeeze some running in to keep me destressed and active, even if I am busy. Other than running, I have already attended many club meetings. I am not sure which clubs I plan to stick with; I am worried that I bit off more than I can chew. I dove in headfirst to the Mountaineering Club and signed up for a trip this weekend. I am extremely nervous about it because I have very little climbing experience, I don’t know anyone in the group, and I have no clue what I need to bring. Despite my anxieties, the trip seemed like too much fun to miss out on. Hopefully it will be fun and I will make it back alive!