Summer camps are an iconic part of the American childhood, and one I had never experienced. For me, summer camp sounded like a magical place filled with picturesque lakes, crackling campfires, and delicious s'mores. Movies like The Parent Trap and Camp Rock only intensified this idea in my mind of what summer camp was. Alas, 18 years came and went, signaling the end of my childhood, and I had never achieved my dream. Or so I thought.
Then I heard about Camp Texas, a three-day summer camp-style extended orientation for incoming freshmen and transfer students where they learn about the university and can meet other incoming students while having the time of their lives. Needless to say, they had me at summer camp.
While I didn't find my long lost twin or love with one of the Jonas Brothers, I did learn some invaluable lessons that will help me throughout my freshman year and the rest of college.
1) Everyone is a freaked out as you are.
If you're going into college completely relaxed, then props to you, but the majority of freshmen are scared out of their minds, which is comforting in a slightly twisted way. Knowing you aren't the only one that is nervous makes you feel like you aren't alone. As one of my counselors told me, no one likes confident freshmen. Perhaps it sounds a bit harsh, but faking apathy is much worse than showing genuine emotions. Relax, breathe, and remember everyone is in the same boat.
2) Sometimes you'll need to get creative to solve a problem.
Although the exercises done at Camp Texas are meant to be silly, they do have real world applications.Whether it's a tough group project or a crazy skit involving Harry Potter, a dance-off, and a rubber chicken mask, the solutions to some problems won't always have obvious answers and require you to think outside the box. If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help.
3) If you don't know what you're doing, that's okay.
As an eighteen-year old, being asked what you want to do with their life is a ridiculous question, so if you're unsure of the path you are taking, it's completely fine. During Camp Texas, I spoke to other students who had similar worries, whether it was their major or future plans, and found comfort in the fact that we shared the same concerns.
4) Listen to each other.
Maybe you'll have to find a way to combine Kanye West and the color purple into a group cheer, or maybe you'll get caught in a debate about the existence of aliens. It's important to listen to other peoples ideas and share your own in a respectful manner. Everyone's opinion is valid and deserves to be heard.
5) Two-stepping is a necessary skill.
Despite having lived in Texas for thirteen years, I am embarrassed to say I had no idea how to two-step until I was thrown into a mass partner dance by a lucky draw of a shoe at the Lonestar Luau. Equipped with a distaste for country music and dance background that was primarily salsa dancing, with a bit of ballet and tap, I can say I tried my best. Thankfully, it wasn't too difficult to learn and I had fun, but I won't be heading down to Gruene Hall any time soon.
6) Having spirit is good thing.
School spirit, team spirit, teen spirit, whatever spirit you have, let it loose! Competitions are way more fun when you have someone to root for. No one is going to think you look lame, and if they do, they're the lame ones for not having some fun.
7) Air horns make everything funnier.
Just trust me on this one.
8) You are going to fail.
High school may have been a breeze, but college is a whole new world. If you start to feel yourself slipping, don't give up. Find help, change your study habits, and, only if you really need to, quit. Failing doesn't mean you are a failure, it means you tried your hardest and are one step closer to achieving your dreams. Oprah had to get fired before she could become Oprah, right? Keep your goals in mind and keep on keeping on.
9) UT is my home.
I'm a Texas girl at heart and I always knew UT was a great school, but I could never visualize myself going there. I don't love football and I look awful in burnt orange, but I definitely didn't want to be an Aggie. At Camp Texas, I grew to accept and love the Longhorn spirit and what it means to be a Longhorn. Now, I can't imagine myself anywhere else. The friendships I made at Camp Texas are ones I hope to have for the rest of college and possibly for life. I can't wait for Mooov-In so I can finally go home.
I don't want to be cheesy and say Camp Texas changed my life, but it definitely changed how I feel about staring college in a week. I'm so excited to be a Longhorn and spend four amazing years at the best university on the planet, because what starts here, changes the world. Hook 'em!
