What I Learned My First Semester in College
1. You will miss your parents/family/friends
I honestly did not think I would miss my life in Erie as much as I actually did. All of my life I have considered myself a pretty independent person. I (within reason) do what I like, maintain my own opinions, and keep to myself. At first, I kind of figured college would simply be an extension of home. I even distinctively remember telling my parents not to expect multiple phone calls from me every week. I was convinced that I would forget all about home and be completely immersed in what college is. Boy oh boy, was I wrong. To be candid, the first month was hell. I was miserable and lonely and no matter what I did, it seemed that finding my group would be impossible. I called my parents almost every day because it was the only thing I knew. They were the one familiar voice from home that was easily accessible. Having my brother at the same school at me was the best thing for my mental health in the early days, honestly, I do not regret going to the same school as him at all. It is comforting to know you have someone there for you. No matter how much you think you won't miss home, I guarantee you will miss some aspect of it, and that is completely okay. . . normal even.
2. Friends don't fall from trees
Anybody who has read my previous posts knows how much I struggled finding friends early on. Everyone I talked to either had closer friends, or were similarly nervous, and therefore conversation halted. I am forever grateful for the two girls on my floor who took me in the first couple of weeks. We don't hang out much anymore, but they really kept me hopeful for the first month. Something that hit me across the face eventually was that you have to try to make friends. You yourself have to initiate the friendship, in a way. No matter how anxious I was, I accepted the invite with the girl from my class to join her and her floor on a trip to the mall area of town. That simple "yes" made all the difference. Those girls are some of my closest friends now, and I am even living with some of them next year. It takes time, and it will be exhausting, but if you take responsibility and put yourself out there, you will find your people. They may not be who you expect, but keep your mind, eyes, and heart open and you will be okay.
3. Shared bathrooms are awful, but not the worst
Do not get me wrong, I love my private bathroom and shower at home, but the ones here are not the worst thing ever. My dorm hall has newly renovated bathrooms and that made me so incredibly happy. Our showers even have actual doors, and an area to change! What a blessing. I am so blessed. The best. That being said, Friday and Saturday nights are the death of the public bathroom. Drunk girls + shared toilets = a mess I don't wanna get into. For the most part though, you just go in, do ya thang, and get out. Bada bing, bada boom.
4. Cafeteria food DOES get old (sorry mom)
Do I really need to explain this one? Cafeteria food never really changes.
5. It is possible to eat healthy in college
Gaining weight in college is normal. When you're on your own for the first time, hanging out with friends most days of the week, junk food and quick decisions are easy traps to fall into. I have found though, that moderation and good choices along with the occasional treat yourself moment can result in a balance. I even lost weight the first semester. I found it a ton easier to eat healthier when the decisions on what I eat for every meal were my own. It became a fun challenge to find what healthy things I liked and actually wanted to eat. Also, I never said no to a small soft serve if I really really really was craving something sweet. I managed to lose weight, and I am a junk food fiend. You can too!
6. Take every opportunity handed to you
This ties along with my other points, but as long as you know you'll be safe and it is a good decision, never say no. Take the chances handed to you. Colleges try their best to supply a multitude of things for students to do and, quite honestly, going to a bunch of these events can make the massive tuition price seem worth it. In October, a bunch of my friends and I went to see the engineering program's production of Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was, well. . . an experience. I also got over my anxiety and auditioned for multiple things. Although I didn't get into anything really, it gave me the preparation and confidence to keep on trying. If you have the time on your hands, say yes to spontaneity.
Side note: Going along these lines, I finally decided to dye my hair red. It wasn't crazy fire engine, but it did make me realize how much confidence hair can give you.
7. Naps
Just.... Naps
8. Noodles and Company is a sham
When I first got here, I thought this place would be my staple. However, after 3 visits I decided the stomach problems it caused was just not worth the crap food. Honestly, if you're looking for noodles, there is roughly a dozen better places in any given town. Find one of those.
9. There are many good ways to procrastinate
I would never, ever, ever encourage procrastination. It is going to cause you hassle in the long run. I guess though, it is inevitable isn't it? Due to this, I have found many good ways to fend off schoolwork. My favorites include naps, showers, and makeovers. Trying to avoid that 8 page essay? Why not immediately make it your goal to look as much like your favorite celebrity as possible? Trying to pretend like you don't have an exam in 2 days? Take a two hour nap! The possibilities are endless, and overall, they're better for you than pulling your hair out due to stress.
10. Pitt really is it
This one is super personal to me. When I first came here, I had a moment of doubt where I did not know if I fit in here. It has now become clear to me that Pitt is where I belong. As I walked around campus the other day, I took a look around at the campus, with its half modern/half greek style architecture, its small little parks that try so hard, and Roc the best small panther, and realized it is exactly what I wanted in a school. The city is absolutely alive with every type of person, and now, I am one of those people. Pitt is not just a far off school with a scary big city surrounding it, it is now home. I am so thankful for everything this school has given me so far and I cannot wait to see what is to come. That is my cheese post for today, thank you.
Much love,
Sam Rose
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