From a small town to a big university

With my heart racing and worries increasing, I made my transition from high school to college in the middle of August. It didn't really hit me that I was "leaving the nest" until the night before I left. On move-in day, I was an emotional mess. I'm very close to my family, and I was upset that I wouldn't be around them every day like I've always been before. I didn't want to miss out on things, like my brother being drum major in his band. My mom is my best friend, so of course I didn't want to leave her side. The only thing that made this transition a little more bearable was that my dad just got a job as a professor here at Texas A&M, so I would be able to see him a little.

My first week - Howdy week - was a little rough here. It was like I was drowning a little bit. I expected my roommate and I to hit off right off the bat (which never happened), and I assumed I would make many friends really quickly. Friends came, but it took longer than I expected it would. It was hard, considering I've been around the same people since elementary school. I was ready for classes to begin, so I had something more to focus on.

Once classes started, things got a little easier. It's not like everything was fixed overnight, but I made some friends and was hanging in there. I called my family every night, and sometimes Face Timed to see their familiar faces that I love so dearly. I don't live too far away, only about an hour, so it was good to get to go home and see my brother's marching band performances!

This whole transition was full of learning experiences for me. I've always been a fairly independent person, especially in regards to taking care of myself, so this was not why the transition was rough. It was difficult because I missed my family and I missed familiarity. I'm not very good with change, and I guess I wasn’t as ready for this one as I thought I was. Throughout my first year of college, however, I have learned to take things one day, and sometimes even one moment, at a time. I’ve learned to not rush everything and to not stress myself out about things I can’t control. I have also learned to fully trust God’s plan for me. He has it all figured out, especially when I don’t. There have been a lot of moments of doubt in this big transition, but I’ve realized that the people that matter the most to me will always be there for me, and I’m so grateful for that.

This experience stands out to me now because I think I’ve grown a lot since the first semester of college. I’m able to adapt to change and new experiences better. I’m more willing to try new things and let things go. I feel more confident than ever that Texas A&M is exactly where I’m supposed to be. This transition has impacted my day-to-day life in more ways than one. Obviously, I’m here on campus every day. But with this, I am more trusting and more sure that this campus is where I should be and where I want to be. I had my doubts, but now I am confident. I’m excited to wake up every day and see what that particular day has to offer me. Sure, it hasn’t been easy every step of the way. I miss my family so much! But it’s gotten easier, at least most days.

My learning experience will heavily impact my future learning experiences because I know that I will face more hardships in the years to come. But I am eternally trusting that God is leading me right where I need to be, and that my family will be by my side every step of the way. I’m less fearful of the future, and I look forward to what’s to come!