My Maymester experience was much different than most. What began as an out of reach and impractical thought, transformed into a reality at the absolute last minute.

For starters, I was not even 100% sure I was going to be able to come back to JMU for Maymester until two days before classes began. My friend and I had been joking all throughout second semester about how fun it would be if we were to come back, but not once did we actually think it would become a reality. Then, one of our other friends said they knew someone who was looking to sublet their two-bedroom apartment. So, naturally, we expressed interest and looked into it. Next thing we know we are loading up our cars and driving back to the burg (aka the best place on earth).

Once we arrived, settling in was interesting. Because we had just been living in a dorm for the last 8ish months, the space in the apartment felt HUGE. We immediately began to unpack, decorate the space (to make it feel a little homier), and take inventory of what groceries and other items we would need to get from the store. Let me tell you we ended up spending close to $300 at Walmart (something I told my parents would not happen). Thinking back though, none of the things we got were unnecessary or went unused which was good at least.

The freedom of living in the apartment was exhilarating. We were each able to have our own space, but then also come together in the living room for dinner and our nightly movie. It was also a nice chance to experience living off campus, seeing that I am living on campus again next year in my sorority’s row house. I honestly have no idea how I am going to go back to living on campus though, as convenient as it is. I can’t explain it. Living off campus just posed me with a certain responsibility I had never had to have before; I loved it.

Given the fact I was living off campus, I was able to bring my car with me. In theory, I could have walked, but having my car just made things all the easier. It was also one of the first opportunities I had to really drive around Harrisonburg. Ask anyone who knows me, I am the absolute worst at directions and never know how to get anywhere. Having my car with me helped to familiarize myself with the area (I realize now that it is literally one big circle, unsure how I get lost here lol).

The biggest advantage I experienced from staying for Maymester as a freshman though, is meeting many new people. Maymester is typically taken by sophomores and juniors, so it is not surprising that my friend and I who I lived with were the only freshmen in our friend group. This may sound scary, but it was so fun! It introduced us to so many people we probably otherwise would not have met during the normal school year. Now when we return back to school in the fall, we will be so much more connected.

Deciding to take a Maymester class was quite literally the best decision I have ever made. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to stay in Harrisonburg and do Maymester at JMU, I highly recommend you do it. Despite the fact the amount of money I’ve spent is atrocious and the choices I’ve made have been questionable, the memories, inside jokes, and friendships will stick with me for life.

I would like to make a significant acknowledgment to my parents for allowing me to stay for this past month, Samantha Fernandez for putting up with living with me, and Madison Dominick for making this whole thing happen. I love and appreciate you all!