I'm honestly never quite sure where to start with these things.
I promised I would check back in at the end of the school year to see if everything I predicted came to fruition. So, here I am. :)
The main question I posed to myself in my article under Open Mind titled "Life Update." was: "When, if at all, does college stop feeling like summer camp?"
It does stop feeling like camp, I've decided; the when of it all is the actual question. After reflecting on the lifetime it feels like I've lived in nine short months, I think my answer is as follows: It stops feeling like camp when you stop treating it that way. Which, I know, sounds like a bit of an obvious answer. However, like many sayings, clichés are clichés for a reason. You have to truly immerse yourself into one of the areas you’re exposed to at school (your studies, your career, your livelihood, etc.). Your experience in college is completely how you shape it.
For example, first semester, I really threw myself into exploring the city as a whole, as well as establishing a rhythm to my college studies. In my second semester, I nurtured my friendships and learned how to become comfortable as a resident of New York City, rather than a tourist. Of course, when it was occurring, none of this was an explicit plan. Generally, I had no idea what I was prioritizing until it was over. But because hindsight is 20/20, I’m able to see how I subconsciously shaped my first year of college.
I really had a great time in NYC. I met some of my favorite people, found some of my favorite coffee shops, and learned a whole lot about myself/how I operate in new settings. There were tough times for sure. I was sick for about 4 months of the year. Like actually. Then I had surgery. But the beauty and the good times I experienced the other five months outweigh the negative immensely. For any high schoolers debating on whether or not to apply to NYC schools: Do it. You won’t regret it.
I’m already counting down to the day I move in for sophomore year. I can’t wait to be in my element again :)
xoxo, Maddie
