The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a long drive from Oxford, Mississippi- about five hours of rough highway, trees covered in kudzu, and really bad cell reception. I would know, as I'm writing this article on the long haul back home from orientation at Ole Miss.
The past two days, I've learned an incredible amount about the University of Mississippi: which meal plan is best, which professors to take for certain classes, where to go when I need help writing a paper, and that I should definitely invest in a pair of Lululemon shorts.

Although I was born and raised in Mississippi, I doubt I will ever grow accustomed to the sweltering heat or suffocating humidity, and this week's weather was nothing short of sweltering or suffocating. Like the typical girly-girl I am, I dressed my best for orientation in a pair of white high-rise shorts and a mint-colored off-the-shoulder top.

Most of the other girls dressed like I did, in precious boutique rompers, mini dresses, or jean shorts. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a good first impression by dressing to the nines, I was envious of all those who were donned in tank tops, athletic shorts, and high ponytails.

I was extremely uncomfortable in my outfit, and the fact that I wore my long, thick hair down did not help. The humidity was not kind to it, either. After learning my lesson, I proudly wore Nike shorts and a t-shirt the second day.

Despite my poorly chosen outfit of that first day, I truly had a blast at orientation. Making friends is actually really easy when nobody else knows anybody either! Meeting new people and making friends can still be really difficult for some people, but the orientation leaders were so fantastic.

They made sure each and every new baby rebel had a good time, knew where they needed to go around campus, and made the boring seminars about financial aid so much more bearable.

Each leader was personable and honest about his or her experiences at the university, and I'm beyond grateful to have been given heartfelt, yet brutal, perspectives about true college life. Heading home from such an eye-opening couple of days has me feeling relieved about moving so far from home, less stressed about making friends on campus, and excited to return already. So, a piece of advice for anyone who may be going to orientation soon (or just spending long amounts of time in that southern heat), be sure to dress comfortably for the occasion- and don't be afraid to say hi to everyone you meet.

I am so ecstatic to make Oxford my home, and I am even more thrilled to be a baby rebel!!!