Reflections on My First Semester

My first semester of college involved so much change.  To be honest, I was terrified of that change. I was terrified of moving to a new state, to a university where I knew absolutely no one.  I was terrified of creating an entirely new lifestyle on my own. However, if my first semester taught me anything, it's that facing the obstacles that terrify me is the best way to realize what I am capable of.

Doing things for the first time usually makes me a little anxious, so I wasn't sure how I was going to fare in college, where doing new things on your own is a regular occurrence.  What I have discovered is that, when push comes to shove, I can do whatever I need to do. I may be very anxious, but if I have to do something, I have to do it.

Just in one semester of college, I have accomplished so many things that I once believed I was incapable of doing.  I learned how to navigate a large campus. I conquered my first college exams. I gave multiple speeches on topics that I am passionate about.  I joined the first University Research Scholars Program (URSP) Student Advisory Board. I started working in a research lab at the veterinary school.  Even on a daily basis, I garnered small victories simply by being brave enough to break out of my comfort zone.

Another lesson I learned was how to make lasting connections with my peers, faculty members, and other people in my chosen field.  Some of the best connections I made came from unlikely places, such as a club meeting and a lunch date. The Research and Creativity seminar that I enrolled in as part of URSP gave me ideas about how to seek out those connections on my own, particularly in regards to faculty researchers.  The advice given in that class prepared me for my first meeting with a faculty researcher at the veterinary school; as advised, I read through some of his recent published articles beforehand, so I was much more confident when discussing his research with him in person.

After coming to a campus where so many people are creating and doing incredible things, it was only natural that I began to think about my plans for future semesters and future goals.  One of my favorite days in the seminar class I mentioned above was when students discussed research they had conducted internationally; their stories were fascinating and (at times) nerve wracking, and they influenced me to consider international research as one of my long-term goals.  When the older members in one of the clubs I joined gave their insight on the importance of leadership, they also persuaded me to apply for the position in the URSP Student Advisory Board. So far, I have enjoyed discussing the future of URSP with the other dedicated and driven members.

Ultimately, my first semester of college changed me in more ways than I can count.  It taught me many lessons, undermined many expectations, and challenged many ideas. It was truly a whirlwind, and I can't wait to see what the next few months will bring.