College from the perspective of a semi-freshman
[Originally posted August 27, 2021]
The further into the semester I go, the more I fall in love with college life. No, not everything there is my favorite or I'll have a day that's a little rougher than the rest, but nonetheless within a week I have learned and experienced so much on my own. As someone who finds more inspiration in city-living than mountains or a quick loop around Cades Cove, I can't help myself but to take pictures of almost everything I see. It's the ultimate people-watching resort, and the atmosphere is naturally appealing to the eye. Buildings of big and small cascading over a blue, East Tennessee day. Hundreds of bricks upon bricks against a freshly paved sidewalk. Hearing the beat of people walking naturally in sync whilst hearing "Walk sign is on." from an automated feminine voice to cross the street safely. Seeing dozens of different fashion choices made my people roughly my age, and figuring out why they chose what they wore. Seeing all these people attending class because it will bring them further towards their future, some confident and some still figuring it out.
Now I'm not going to sugar-coat it; I know it won't be easy. It is college, after all. But I can happily say that it's been the most enjoyable experience for schooling that I have ever had, most likely because I actually have classes that are about my passion this semester and it takes my motivation to pass to a significantly higher level. Being able to learn about what I love only makes me more excited about my future career and makes me want to better myself in it, too. I look forward to the coming opportunities
with the campus's clubs and seeing what other experience I could gain from those, as well.
While walking to and from classes I have some extra time to think during the moments I'm not listening to music and decide to just walk. It dawned on me yesterday how I always thought it was weird that people think it's rather "fake" to only post the good going on in their lives. But I felt that was rather contrary because if someone were to post the bad stuff all the time too, wouldn't people think they were depressed all the time? I believe some people have been able to find a balance on social media that if something goes wrong or they're in distress, it helps to put it on the media to reach a wide range of family members at once. But I don't think we should shame those that only post "the good stuff." Rather, I find that every time I post, even if it's not during the most perfect time, it's an extra moment to count my blessings. For example, this week I posted some pictures that I felt compelled to take during my first week or so at campus. That same week, I've already had to go to tutoring because math isn't my strong suit, the doorknob in our apartment bathroom broke, and I had to go into work later because the rain was so bad I couldn't see the road. But when stuff like that happens, I find it's much harder for me to get bogged down over just those things when I've had so much good going on for me as a whole. I've received a job that pays my bills, moved into a comfortable apartment that's walking distance from campus, and I attend a school that I not only got accepted to but I get the privilege of walking and attending it everyday so I can reach my main career goal.
I wasn't one that actually enjoyed the orientations that were so-called "required," but I did get one thing out of the first introduction from the over-joyed leader in the auditorium. She said, "You know why I know every single one of you can succeed?" It took her a hot minute to reply and the entire time I thought she was going to mention using your resources but instead she went with, "Because you're here!" Which initially I let out a big sigh because it was 9AM and I knew the walk back was gonna be very warm, but the more she lead on with that statement the more I understood; Not everyone get's into UT, and for my sake I was part of the Volunteer Bridge Program, meaning I had to work even more to make sure I was still getting in. I spent one year at Pellissippi (all online, might I add), and as long as I kept my grades up, I was in for transfer. And by God's grace I made it. And with one year of college under my belt, I already felt pretty accomplished. That's not to sound boastful, but it's something that made me think about how I should be glad to be somewhere that is pushing me in the right direction besides the fact that college isn't cheap. Though it's difficult at times, I feel like I have every incentive in the world to complete it and I intend to do so with no excuses.
So with a week and a half of my sophomore year at UT said and done, I can say that it's not so scary and vast as it looks at first glance. I can happily say that it's better than I thought. There's still plenty to adjust to and explore, but I know in time I'll get the chance to really enjoy everything. I look forward to how I'll continue to push myself and in the end, get my dang degree!!
Though I just started my word of advice for those that are either like me and just started or have been in the game for a while: 1. Know you're most certainly not alone. 2. Keep at it, because you know in the long run, it's gonna be rewarding.