Coming into my first semester at OSU, I had a lot of doubts as to what the college experience was going to do for me, as well as how I was going to find my unique niche. My saving grace has been the ability to retreat into my studies. I spent a lot of time by myself studying in the Thompson library. During this time, I learned to find joy in my classes. Initially, each class was an opportunity to learn something I’d never have expected to, and more importantly, to become someone different than the person I’d been the day before.

The friendships I’ve made didn’t come so easy. My first few weeks here were planned for me. I played “ice-breakers” with people I didn’t know and whom I don’t know to this day. I was more anxious than I’d ever been about making friends because I felt they should come naturally. And with time, they did. I fell into a group of people (seemingly unconsciously) that I value more than I would have ever expected to. They’re the same group of people that encourage and support me as well as challenge and push me. Without realizing it, I befriended a group of thoughtful, intelligent, and kind individual whom I hope to know for the rest of my life. I genuinely hope my first semester here is an indicator as to the kind of people I’ll meet at OSU for the next 4 years.

I met my friends through the Humanities program. I think that speaks volumes of the program itself. The people I’ve met through the humanities have been extremely interesting and caring people. I’ve found that I have a lot of the same interests with many of them, which gives me hope in making connections for the future. I’ve enjoyed most all of the humanities scholars’ events I’ve partaken in and in turn, have developed a better sense of focus for what I want to within the humanities.

Going forward, I’d like to participate in more humanities events. This semester, I was overwhelmed by everything that was happening around me and failed to prioritize the way I’d like to. This being said, I would like to make my next semester one in which I become more involved in the group.