The Freshman Year Experience+

After 5 consecutive days of Orientation Training, I have been giving my first experiences here a great deal of thought. Today, for instance, I was alone hiding in the laundry room during a game of manhunt. And while I pinned myself to the wall holding my breath, I got a flashback to the very first time I was ever there. It was EOP Freshmen Orientation and my roommate had to wash her clothing with VO5 shampoo.

I went for moral support, I guess, and while we were down there two people were already there. One guy and one girl. The guy was incredibly tall, athletic-ish build with long brown hair. I don't remember what the girl looked like. I thought they must have been athletes on campus or something. Little did I know they were current students here to be Orientation Leaders. Little did I know I would be an OL a year later, and most importantly littler did I know that this tall, athletic-ish Italian, Cole, would become someone I consider a best friend three years in the future.

Yes, it has really been three years.

This tiny flashback to an seemingly insignificant moment in my life lead me to think about how significant every moment has been since I left home to create a new one. College was so intimidating three years ago. I could not grasp the idea of just leaving at 3am and not having to tell anyone where I was going. I was unable to predict how big of an impact these people would have on my life. I procrastinated connections with people who now mean the most to me.

I can hardly believe how me and Lauren met. It was by random, fate, that made us friends. She was literally just walking down the hall when I decided to introduce myself. She was quiet with a terrible perm, I was loud with a terrible wardrobe. But we liked Wicked and that was that.

Tomorrow marks my 4th year here during orientation, my third as an OL.. and my last. I have no idea what next summer holds  but I'm okay with that because three years I didn't know if I'd like it here, if I'd stay, who I'd meet and if I'd like them. Fortunately in my case, I love it here and have met and loved everyone I could. I wish I could stay. When I applied to college I did not realize that it wasn't a destination; it's merely a passage. I do not know where that passage goes and that's okay.