Surviving My 1st Year Of College
By: Makala J. Lee
When I first arrived at Clark Atlanta University everything seemed foreign. My emotions changed like the weather. One day I felt proud and happy, the next day I felt homesick and overwhelmed. I came one week prior to the first day of school for orientation and my dorm was practically empty. I was sad after my mother left but orientation was a week full of events and I met a ton of people. As the semester progressed, I began meeting people from all over the country. I quickly learned that in college the protocol when meeting someone is to ask them their name, where they are from and their major. It was all new & very exciting!
Once classes began, I was nervous because the curriculum was very demanding. However, most of my professors allowed me to stop by their offices whenever I needed help. Also, I realized that the more I applied myself, the better I did. I ended my first semester with nearly a 4.0 gpa.
While at CAU, I joined campus organizations such as The Center for Academic Excellence in National Security and The Pre-Alumni Council. I also contributed to the school newspaper and worked in the alumni office on campus. Through school organizations I participated in numerous extracurricular activities such as AIDS Walk Atlanta, Campus Clean-Up and even went on a two-week trip in Europe.
However with all of the activities I was a part of, the most exciting experience of my first year of college was during Homecoming week. The entire week was full of events such as a comedy show, gospel concert, rap concert, game-day parade and the actual game. BET also held their annual Black College Tour during that week. It was unbelievably fun.
The most difficult part of my first year was dealing with a spiteful roommate. Living on campus can be the hardest adjustment because roommates share such a small space. My freshman roommate was intentionally inconsiderate. One night while I was trying to study, she turned the volume on her television up to the max and put earplugs in her ears. It was very distracting and I was extremely upset. Fortunately she was moved out of the room two days later.
Another adjustment was food! Not purchasing a college meal plan was one of the worst mistakes I could have made. I had to live off of noodles and crackers until I got a meal plan and the cafeteria food was not always good.
For me adjusting to college life was not difficult because I was raised in a family where independence and responsibility were taught early in life. I did not depend on my parents for everything. However freshman year was difficult for some students to adjust because of their newly acquired independence. Some students could not handle the responsibility of setting their own schedules, managing their free-time and making rational decisions without their parents.
Freshman year can be scary and very intimidating but resources are available to make the transition much easier. In order to survive in college, a student must learn a few imperative skills. She should learn time-management skills and how to adapt to a new environment. I attended Clark Atlanta University for an education. That education included textbooks and lectures and so much more. I learned how to balance my social life and schoolwork. I also learned how to deal with different types of people, how to network and build lasting relationships. Most importantly, I learned individuality.
If you want to know more about the college application process or if you just have questions about college let us know at: offtocollege@esteemthemag.com.
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