Featured photo by Sierra Beard-Dorm
By Sierra Beard-Dorm
College is a time most have looked forward to as long as they can remember. There are endless books and movies written about the college experience.
Some of the most notable films and shows include Reese Witherspoon’s Legally Blonde and the early 2000s show Gilmore Girls, which features Alexis Bledel.
In college, students have the chance to enjoy more freedom compared to grade school. Students are coming from all over, many this being the first time away from their families. They can choose their classes, set their own schedules, and make many decisions for themselves.
This independence can be exciting because it allows students to explore their interests and manage their time however they want. However, with this freedom comes more responsibility.
Students have to be able to mediate through situations on their own, as they are looked at as adults now.
“I’ve had issues with my suitmates, but other than that, I love my dorm. We aren’t seeing eye to eye because we have so many differences,” said Carolina Atehortua, a first-year criminal justice major.
College students learn to balance their studies, social life, and sometimes even work. It’s a time for young adults to grow and learn important life skills.
Being in college means completing assignments on time, attending classes regularly, and being able to manage your time effectively. There aren’t people around to remind you daily of what is expected.
“I feel like I’m always behind, no matter how much time I’ve spent trying to catch up,” said Caityln Suggs, a first-year criminal justice major.
Making friends in college can be seen as a challenging experience for many students. When they first arrive on campus, they may feel reserved and cautious. Everyone is busy adjusting to their new surroundings and routines.
According to an article by U.S. News, Oliver Street III, associate vice president for enrollment management at Howard University, highlights, “Not everyone makes friends easily. If that’s true for you, start with people on campus closest to you.”
Some students might stick with their roommates, teammates, or those in their major. They may face a blockage when expanding beyond those relationships.
“Everyone has their person or is an athlete. I’m neither, so I haven’t found my people,” said Suggs.
Atehortua highlights some of her own struggles.
“Everyone has their own groups. It’s hard for me to relate to people here,” said Atehortua. “I mainly just talk to my teammates from the lacrosse team.”
William Peace University is near downtown Raleigh; however, students stated there aren’t many things to do on campus.
“Hanging out with my boyfriend or sitting outside is as much as I do here, cause there is nothing to do,” said Suggs.
For athletes, some activities include just engaging with their teammates in their sport.
“Play lacrosse, weightlifting, hanging out with my friends, or my boyfriend is what I mainly do,” said Atehortua.
In college, there isn’t anyone forcing you to get up and get active. You are solely responsible for yourself and what you partake in that day.
While college isn’t a faraway dream anymore, there are many new aspects the movies didn’t include that students take head-on.
Students are experiencing their first take on adulthood as well as encountering whole new learning curves.
At the ripe age of eighteen, first years are leaving their childhood friends, family, and hometowns to further their education, making new experiences along the way. The end goal may seem far, but it can come right around the corner.
Many will spend all four years here, while some may transfer out. The first year experience can shape how they see themselves in the future. The end goal is to graduate and make their own ending, just like the movies they’ve watched growing up.