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Despite My Terrible First Semester, My First Year Of College Was Definitely One To Remember

It only happens once.

Rachel Neal

Apr 29, 2019

Temple University

180

Despite My Terrible First Semester, My First Year Of College Was Definitely One To Remember

Rachel Neal

Going into college, I wasn't exactly excited for the two first semesters ahead of me.

Having committed to Temple last minute, I didn't have that time over the summer to message my fellow classmates and get to make connections outside of the people I knew from my high school that were also attending Temple.

The first semester was rough.

My routine was going to school, get my stuff done, leave and then repeat the next day.

I wasn't really making any new friends and that really made me upset because all I wanted when I went to college was to branch out and meet new people.

I was too scared to join clubs because of this - although I am an independent person, I just somehow couldn't push myself to go to club meetings or get involved.

Long story short, I was miserable my first semester of college. I couldn't wait for the year to be over so I could just be stress-free and have a fun summer with my friends from home.

This all changed my second semester.

I started to become braver.

I went to meetings where I knew no one, joined clubs that would push my skills (especially Odyssey, which is the first real organization I joined at Temple and gave me a place to vent my experiences and feelings, whatever they might've been), stayed on campus long after my classes were over so I could gain those memories, and I even joined a sorority which helped me to meet amazing women and build lifelong friendships with them.

My life completely changed after winter break.

I got excited to come to school. I got excited to go to my classes, get good grades, work hard and see results. I got excited to get lunch with my new friends whenever I could. I got excited to go to my club meetings and take more initiative.

Most importantly, I got excited to live and to be productive again.

So, I would say that I had such a great first year at college. Everything happened how it was meant to be, and it all worked out even when I thought I wanted to transfer schools because of how unhappy I was at first.

I love the college I attend, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here's to the next 3 years.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Despite My Terrible First Semester, My First Year Of College Was Definitely One To Remember

It only happens once.

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It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

You can't just go to your room to take a nap in the middle of your classes.

Having to spend all your extra cash on gas for your car.

Speaking of money, you probably don't have a meal plan so you're forced to scrounge up some change or mooch off of your friends.

It can be harder to maintain the friendships you make with people from class.

Finding a parking spot.

It can be harder to be involved on campus because between your one, two, or three jobs and school you don't have much free time.

When you try to be super involved on campus, it can kill your sleep schedule.

It's impossible to do homework at home, but staying on campus isn't an option sometimes.

There are surveys and events that you can't participate in because you're a commuter.

Group projects are the bane of your existence.

Traffic.

Your backpack rivals that of a survivalist trekking in the woods.

Driving all the way to campus to find a note on the door of your classroom saying class was cancelled.

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1. When he just wanted bacon from his George Foreman grill

2. When he had money (and Jan) issues

3. When he got upstaged at Phyllis' wedding

4. When he unintentionally saved Meredith from rabies

5. When he wore a "bisexual" suit

6. When he had to apologize to Jesus

7. When his GPS drove him into a lake

8. When he had to deal with Ryan as his boss

9. When he couldn't fulfill his most generous empty promise

10. When this happened

11. When he struggled with a X-Mas break up

12. When he had to defend his generosity

13. When he threw a classy Christmas party for Holly but she had a boyfriend

14. When he had to stand up to peer pressure

15. When Toby was "Toby-ish"

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

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