Coasting- (v.) moving easily without using power

Sailing- (v.) the method of determining the coast to be followed to reach a given point

Remember these words and their definitions as you read my article, for they perfectly describe my freshman year.

When I was in eighth grade, I knew my next step was to go to high school. I planned on joining chorus and dancing in the musicals. When I was in high school, I knew my next step was college. I auditioned for Slippery Rock University's dance program, got accepted, and went to Forge Summer Dance Intensive at SRU the summer prior to my first semester. Last September as I sat in my dorm room on my twin XL bed, I thought I'm finally in college! Now where do I go?

My four years of high school were for all intents and purposes consistant. I knew what I would be doing months and sometimes years in advance. I had homecoming, midterms, musicals, research papers, finals, and dance recitals to look forward to each year. When I first began my freshman year, I didn't know what I would be doing next week.

I moved in and began classes knowing hardly anything about the dance program. I only knew a few other dance majors, I didn't know when and where our dance concerts would be, let alone if I could audition for them, and I had so many questions about everything. I was once again a small fish in a big pond, but the fear of the unknown gave me the courage to take college one day at a time, waiting to see what was in store for me.

As my freshman year progressed, I experienced my "firsts" within the dance department. I attended my first collegiate technique classes, and they challenged me to say the least. Although I was tempted to do so, I never doubt myself or questioned why I'm here. I constantly reminded myself of the many reasons why I wanted to be here, and of the people both here and back home who believe in me. I auditioned for many SRUDT and Senior Synthesis pieces, which lead to my first rehearsals and eventually my first performances. Although some students think otherwise, I enjoyed being a freshman. I found the excitement and beauty in experiencing everything for the first time. As I experienced my "firsts," I began to look forward to my "nexts," and I already didn't want to think about my "lasts."

As my freshman year comes to a close, I'm reflecting on the plans and goals I've set for the rest of my time here. I'm already looking forward to auditioning and performing again, the new classes I'll take, and the new dancers, choreographers, and teachers I'll meet. I hope to be inducted into the National Honors Society of Dance Arts, choreograph for SRUDT when I'm a junior, and attend a dance festival.

After coasting by for the beginning of my freshman year and seeing where life takes me, I'm now ready to sail towards my future armed with ideas, plans, and a course of action.