No Longer a First Year

As Saturday, August 25th approaches, I look back on just a year ago. It was me last year as a first year student moving into the unpredictable college life. I don't think anyone can ever quite be 100% prepared for college. I know I was so unsure of things moving in that first day. At times I wanted to turn around and drive right back home to Humboldt. Though quickly throughout the day I started to change my mind. By the end of the day I was so excited to be meeting 412 new first year students, and having my own dorm room.

One word of advice for all those new to college....take advantage of all the opportunities. That's what made my first year of college one of the best experiences ever. Right away within the first few weeks I got elected freshman class president, joined a sorority, gave my first campus tour, helped CAB set up for family weekend, took a Pilates class, and ate ice cream at President Byrd's house. I quickly learned Simpson is a place where everyone can get involved if you just show an ounce of initiative. I wasn't trying hard to get involved, rather I simply felt like getting out of my dorm room. There are so many campus organizations, and always something to be a part of.

Some of my greatest memories from freshman year include all the Orientation activities. The Wesley Woods day turned out to be a lot of fun. I think my LAS group really bonded over all the hassles of trying to do those high ropes courses. Then there was the Stand Around, and of course the weather couldn't have been worse. It was pouring all night, but that didn't stop my hall of girls in Kresge from participating. We were soaked to the bone, but still thought we'd try riding the mechanical bull. haha...It was an amazing night overall.

The awesome college experiences didn't end after Orientation though. They continued throughout the year with things like fundraising at Dickens of a Christmas (on the Indianola square), the CAB national convention in Nashville, my first spring break trip, helping out at Jr. Visit Day, and my first May Term Trip (Washington, D.C.).

I'm actually pretty sad I'll no longer be a freshman. I can't use the excuse of "Well I'm just a freshman!" Now its time to grow up, cause I'm no longer new to this college thing. :) Well I suppose I can still have a little bit of fun.