If I was asked to rate my first semester at OSU on a scale from 1 to 10, I’d have to give it a 7. None of my initial fears remain but I have developed a few new ones. For example, after completing certain assignments pertaining to my future at Ohio State in my survey class, my mind was flooded with questions: is this really what I want to do? Am I going to be able to be successful in these courses? Is this major right for me? I don’t have any of the answers to these questions and I probably won’t for a while but I’ve been learning to trust the process and live day to day rather than squandering in the uncertainty the future brings. When I chose to live in the present, it creates a less anxious lifestyle and I can stress a lot less.

During this first semester I struggled to make friends which was entirely surprising for me. My whole life I have been the social butterfly, confident in herself and friend to everyone. Making the transition to college was challenging for me. I didn’t see my family every day, I didn’t have the same people in my classes and to my surprise I live on a very quiet floor. I struggled to find community and make new friends. Thankfully it has gotten easier. I am involved with younglife on campus which has helped me find new friends! The Humanities Scholars program has helped too. (Met my dad—Ben Fortman ha)

I have enjoyed my experience in the Humanities Scholars program. The highlight of the program for me was most definitely the Chicago trip! Not only was I able to explore a city that I love but also create some awesome new memories with some awesome new friends! Moving forward, I could see myself becoming a Humanities Scholar mentor or getting involved in some other type of way. I am very excited for the spring semester and what it will bring!

I’d like to work out regularly but I lack motivation.

I’d like to spend a half hour of quiet time in the morning but I am too tired to get up earlier.

I’d like to start reading my psychology book for class but I find it boring and hard to focus.

I’d like to eat healthier but am surrounded by unhealthy food.

I’d like to travel to Germany this summer but don’t know if I can afford it.

I’d like to work out regularly and I lack motivation. So I will create a weekly workout schedule that incorporates yoga classes (which I enjoy) twice a week among other cardio and strength workouts.

I’d like to spend a half hour of quiet time in the morning and I am too tired to get up early. So I will go to bed earlier the night before.

I’d like to start reading my psychology book for class and I find it boring and hard to focus. So I will set aside specific time for reading and if I am successful, I will reward myself with a Netflix episode.

I’d like to eat healthier and am surrounded by unhealthy food. So I will limit myself to one treat a day.

I’d like to travel to Germany this summer and don’t know if I can afford it. So I will start saving at least half of my paychecks to pay for airfare.

It’s hard to believe I have finished my first week as a college student! Where has time gone? Before this week, I was so nervous about my classes: how would I find them? Would my professors be strict? Unfriendly? Intimidating? Would my syllabi be written with words beyond my vocabulary? How was I going to pass their tests? I suck at studying. Well to my relief, all my obsessive worry was for nothing. There were thousands of freshmen around campus who were just as lost as me. My professors welcomed us with smiles and addressed the class very casually. They graced us with short syllabi full of simple vocabulary. And now that I’m into the swing of things I have a lot to look forward to! I am so excited for football games, new opportunities, exploring a side of Columbus I have never explored before, getting involved, meeting new people and finding a good balance between studying and socializing.

Overall my first week was good. I was exhausted by Friday but am thankful for the naps I was able to take earlier in the week. I am extremely pleased with my schedule. I only have one class on Friday from 9:10-10:05 which is amazing! I’ve been meeting so many new people, which I love! I also got to figure out the beauty of swipes and dining dollars. I look forward to the end of the week when I get to buy sugar cereal (which I was never allowed to have at home) with the leftover swipes I have. Going into week two my goal is to know where all my classes are so I don’t look entirely lost.

I am so thankful to be a part of the Humanities Scholars program. Living and learning in a community is one of my most favorite things! Some expectations I have for my experience this year are to meet lifelong friends, to experience a warm and inviting community and to have a taste of the liberal arts. My second choice school was Denison University. One of the most attractive things about that school was the liberal arts aspect and being able to learn and explore so many different areas and subjects. I think I will get my fill of liberal arts from the Humanities program and I cannot wait!