college

i'm the oldest kid in my family. that means i'm the first to go to college. i was absolutely terrified. looking back to the beginning of the semester, i have no clue why i was so worried.

i don't get homesick, i loved my classes, my major is the best of all that are offered, and i have made so many wonderful new friends. i almost don't like coming home! well, i do. but i miss my friends, i miss the campus, i miss the activities. i love being on my own. making my own decisions. i feel like i have really learned a lot and have become a more mature person. saying that, well, that probably cancels out that theory. however, it's how i feel. i have made mistakes by staying up all hours of the night, and wanting to die the next day in classes. needless to say, i haven't stayed up that late again. it's a process, much like everything i do now-a-days.

it has been one of the greatest experiences i have had in my years of school. i LIKE it. i WANT to be there. i come home to see my family, and i want to go back. whether it's just for the people and activities or for my classes. the professors are wonderful and they truly care about your well being and success. i have never had a teacher put in as much effort as they have. day or night, there are there to answer your questions to help you do the best that you can. yes, most teachers are like that, but there is just something about theses ones that just sets them apart from all the others.

going to a Nazarene school, we have chapel twice a week. i was dreading it. without it on those two days, i could be done with classes an hour earlier, i could do so much in that time. after a semester of chapel, my point of view has completely flipped. i love going to chapel for the social aspect as well as the time alone with God. worship is the best because it is led by my fellow classmates and friends. overall, it's a great experience.

the sense of community we have, being on such a small campus, is incredible. everyone knows everyone. you can't go anywhere without someone starting a genuine conversation with you. professors can be seen eating lunch with students and coworkers, students of all ages playing ping pong in Pop's. age is just a number and that has been made clear around school. people don't treat you differently because you're a freshman, junior or even 5th year senior. it doesn't matter and that, to me, is one of the main differences between high school and college.

i wouldn't trade any of my time here for anything else in the world. i love it. i have never had so much pride in my school. nor have i ever WANTED to be at school the way i love being here. i can't see myself being anywhere else.