I’m trying not to let my shaking hands prevent me from writing my article. Of course, this is an exaggeration, but the back-to-school jitters are here! They’re nothing out of the ordinary. It’s pretty common to experience feelings of nervousness when taking on something new or unknown and college is no exception! Sure, it’s my second year back at it and I’ll be more accustomed, but there are still a few uncertainties.

I remember always being a little nervous before the first day of school throughout my life. In elementary school, I was anxious to see what friends were in my class and if my teacher was nice. In middle and high school, I was most concerned with my workload. I would worry and wonder if I’d be able to get it all done. These feelings and thoughts would go away a couple weeks into the school year after I had things under control.

It’s difficult not to look back and laugh at my middle and high school self for fretting about my workload. At the time it seemed like a lot, but now I’d take it any day over the work in college. There’s a reason why they list “Student” as an occupation! I know it’s not meant to be easy and I’m up to the challenge, but the uncertainty prior to the first day of classes is the worst part about it. My worries are no longer if my teacher will be nice. Instead, I’m left to wonder if my professor will speak with an understandable accent!

As a freshman, I was nervous about moving out and living on my own for the first time. Now that I’ve experienced that, it’s far less of a concern. My focus has shifted to thinking about my first classes and what they’ll entail. Sometimes looking at what previous students think of my new professors does not alleviate my nerves, but other times it takes a lot of pressure off!

As with anything else, once I get used to my new classes and professors, everything should work out. Even though I know this is the case, it’s not enough to stop the back-to-school jitters! I’m sure I’ll have similar feelings in the first few days prior to starting a new job. I suppose this is just a part of life and will continue into the future. For now, I'll embrace them and look forward to letting them fizzle out after the first couple weeks of school!