By Freya Hately
The first day of college is, for some, a pivotal moment. It is the day when we take that first step towards adulthood. Leaving home and going to live with strangers, taking the most difficult classes you had yet, and the daunting prospect of making financial decisions that will follow some for decades. This can all fill a new student with nervousness and anticipation.
For me, I was excited to move in and get a fresh start. No longer are you surrounded by people that have known you since those awkward years in middle school. Instead you stand apprehensively in a line waiting to go up and talk to the RA’s, who are giving out room keys to what will be a home of sorts. Once you check in, unpacking becomes the newest daunting task. Those mementos you brought from home take up a special spot on the shelves and the pictures are fond memories among a general air of uncertainty.
The most nerve-wracking part was meeting all of the new people that you would be sharing a life with for the next year. That first meeting is odd to reflect on now, as I never realized then the impact that they would all have on my life. My suite mate, who is an incredible friend that has stuck with me through what will be three RA trainings and countless walks around the lake talking about everything we could think of. Everyone in my class; there are fewer of us now but we are strong. All of the experiences that we’ve shared have brought us closer together and I can’t imagine graduating and not seeing them almost every day. Finally, the upperclassmen that helped us learn about how APU works and did what they could to help us on our way.
The people you meet that first day of college, when you move in and set that first bag down, will shape your life. You never forget the ones that left or were lost, and definitely not the ones that laughed, complained, and cried with you on the moments that were both the worst and the best of your life so far. So, prepare for that first step inside the building that will become your home, because the people inside become family.
