Hey Seniors! So it’s time to check back in with Mia from our earlier blogs. She came home for Thanksgiving break from UW-Madison so I was able to interview her and her VERY IMPORTANT FRIEND “Kevin” who attends the University of Colorado - Boulder. I asked both to reflect on their first few months of college and to come up with five things that surprised them the most.
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Mia’s Five Things:
1. How much free time I have - Before college, I thought I would be swamped with homework and studying with no time to join clubs or do anything else. I have plenty of time to balance homework and friends (also with some TV time on the side).
2. How much high school prepared me for college – In the summer, leading up to college, I was incredibly anxious about school and the level of difficulty that college classes would be. When I got here though, I was pleasantly surprised at how well-prepared I felt. The homework and tests are not impossible; in fact, they are very doable and manageable.
3. How little alone time I actually need – Back home, I’d say that I spent a decent amount of time in my room. So, coming to college was a bit intimidating knowing I would have a roommate 24/7. It turns out though that I haven’t felt suffocated or like I need space. Even though I share a room, I have my own space/area where I can do my homework or study.
4. How scary it is to make friends - Despite the fact that everyone is in the same position going into college, awkward and not having any friends, it is still very scary to go up to someone and start a conversation. Thankfully, the friend-making process happens naturally with time and I started to develop strong relationships.
5. Going off of #4, I was surprised at how long it took me to feel like I belong and have real friends that I can lean on at school. I have been friends with the same group of girls for over four years, so it was a drastic adjustment having to start completely over again. It may be hard at first to realize, but good friendships will happen, but they just take time.
Kevin’s Five Things:
1. It may take awhile to find a group of friends that you can really tolerate.
2. The classes you take can actually be interesting.
3. You may not truly appreciate being away at college until you go home for the first time.
4. Your closest friends will probably live in the same dorm as you.
5. The classes are a lot easier if you do the reading and stay engaged in class discussions.
I could not have said it better myself!
TTYL,
GW College Coach
P.S. Next week – watch for BLOG contest with real prizes.
Hint: You have to use Naviance to get the answer. So log on today!
