The Observer, September 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
Freshmen should not be afraid to explore
A Fresh Perspective
As a freshman, I wasn't worried about classes. I wasn't worried about finding my way around. I wasn't even worried about my eating habits. I wasn't worried about anything…except for dorm life. It scared the crap out of me.
I grew up as an only child. No brothers, no sisters, no conflicts over whose stuff was whose. I had my own room with all of my own things: everything was organized the way I wanted it to be, and that's how I liked it. I had…privacy.
Then I graduated from high school.
Suddenly, the realization that I was going to college dawned on me. This sounds humorous and I'm sure you are all thinking, "Of course he knew he was going to college. He must have already been accepted and everything." But that's not what I mean. I realized that I was not just continuing my education, but I was moving. I would no longer be at home with my own stuff and my own room. I would be actually have to share a room with a complete stranger.
With every passing day, my stomach clenched in fear as the dreaded move-in day approached. Finally, it was Aug. 23. I was out of time.
I had been in contact with my roommate, and he seemed very cool. We appeared to have a lot in common, and I was sure that we would be friends. But we weren't just friends living separately. I would be sharing a room with him. My stuff would become his, and his become mine. Was I ready for this? I didn't know, but it was time to find out.
Fast forward to today. I'm sure you're all dying to know how I've turned out. I have climbed out the second-floor window of my dorm, been stranded near the Target on Cedar, played with the shelves in the library, and ordered pizza at two in the morning. I have ventured to the Elephant Stairs and back, tried to open my dorm door by jumping with my ID in my pocket (unsuccessfully), and even climbed on tables at KSL and growled.
I've also had my fair share of those lovely freshman experiences. I've gotten on the wrong bus, spent way too much CaseCash, and even been locked out of my room without supplies or shoes…on the first day of classes. At least I haven't fallen out of bed yet.
Needless to say, I think I have adapted to college life well. My roommate and I are getting along fantastically; I already have people I count among my close friends, and I've even lost weight. Down with the Freshman Fifteen!
So, to my fellow freshmen who may be experiencing problems similar to mine, I have one simple piece of advice: Don't be afraid! Everybody else is going through the same thing you are, so bond with people over your common freshman experiences. Also, rooming with someone is not nearly as bad as it seems on the surface. Chances are, your roommate is going through the same things you are.
I still have a little adjusting to do, but I'm no longer worried about anything. My parents, though? Now that's a different story…
