Some Of The New, And Some Of The Old | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Some Of The New, And Some Of The Old

"Hello Northeastern", but not "Goodbye Briarcliff"

10
Some Of The New, And Some Of The Old
Adrienne Elise

College is all about new beginnings, new friends, and a new environment.

But for me, it's about some of the old too.

I came to college, excited and optimistic about a fresh start. But, I was also anxious about leaving my hometown, Briarcliff - my safe zone of a mere 6.6 square miles. Here, I know the best place to get a chicken cutlet, see a pretty sunset, or get a cup of coffee. Here, I can't drive through town without passing someone I know. Here, I know basically everyone in my school by name. Briarcliff, both the town and the people in it, had become my comfort zone. Here, I know what to expect.

So as a girl from a small suburban town entering a university with about 13,000 undergrad students, I couldn't help but be anxious. I didn't know what to expect, and I felt like I would get lost in the sea of people at Northeastern. My late move-in date made things worse for me. I was the one who sent all my friends off to college, and I had to watch all my best friends leave. I heard about their fun college stories, but also about the stress that comes with the first few weeks of college. But, I was still at home, and for those two or three weeks, it felt as if I would be stuck in high school forever while my friends enjoyed college.

Being home as everyone was leaving for college, gave me a lot of time to think. My already existent problem of overthinking was worsened during these weeks. Would I make friends? Would I like my classes? What if I hate my major? What if I hate college? Questions that go through every incoming freshman's mind. I knew I was going to love it, I really did. But this didn't prevent me from worrying about it. And I just wanted to go..

It was worth the wait though. I have met some truly amazing people and made friends that I can call my best friends. I am involved in exciting new adventures, like working with little kids and teaching a Japanese class. My new life, well at least the first two months of it, has already been filled with memories. Although hours of these two months have been spent at Snell Library and waiting on the chicken line, I have done it all with my best friends by my side. I have gotten so used to living with my friends right down the hall; when I went home for a 3 day weekend, I already missed them. So, here is to getting to live with my weird best friends for the rest of the year. Oh, and next year too.

Although I have found my place in this new life, this doesn't mean I am leaving my "old" life behind. I know my best friends from high school - not only from Briarcliff, but all of the spheres of my high school life, will forever be a strong presence. I will never forget the memories, and the people with which I made those memories. I left Briarcliff, and I left New York, but I did not leave my friends or my memories. I still crave a Rocky's sandwich once in a while. I still miss my car, Martha. And I still miss pulling up to my best friends' houses.

As I create my new life here at Northeastern, I do so remembering that my old life helped to shape who I am. I'm not living in the past, I just don't want to forget it. So, I'm letting go of some of the old, and creating some new. But, I'm holding onto some of the old, and I won't let go.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

33
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

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

774
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

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

3525
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

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

17743
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments