I think back to where I was a year ago at this moment. Crying, almost certainly, because I missed the familiarity that was my hometown. I missed my parents and home-cooked meals. I remember a few times thinking "I just have a few more weeks and then I can transfer." Although, I never shared these thoughts with anyone else because according to my Facebook, I was having the best time of my life. I didn't feel that I picked the right college. I didn't even know if I wanted to go to school. Maybe I wanted to work for a year and then try it again.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with transferring schools or taking time off of school. Almost everyone struggles their first semester of college. This is almost everyone's first time away from their parents. They are still trying to balance their new found independence and not knowing how to do everything on their own. Everyone is trying to find their niche at their new school, and everyone is trying to make friends. I had such a weird feeling my first semester of school because I feared missing out. I felt that I had to pour so much of my time and energy into making a social life because I didn't have a trust built with my group of people yet. Everyone is figuring it out the first semester. I decided to give it a second try and stick around for a second semester. That was the best decision of my life.
The second semester is when I really figured out what college was going to be like. I had conquered my first semester of finals. I had survived registration week and I had a group of friends that I was pretty certain were set in stone. I made connections with people that I never imagined I would. I built professional relationships with my professors and campus faculty. I figured out my roommates for this year. I was given leadership opportunities and I even got the chance to apply to study abroad. None of these experiences are things I would have experienced if I gave up after my first semester.
Again, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with transferring or taking some time off of school. I'm just sharing my experiences with you all. If it is at all possible, give it all your effort to complete one year at the same school. You never know what might happen. Remember that everyone is experiencing very similar feelings and emotions as you.
Even if you feel that you are alone, you are not. Reach out to people, everyone has a unique story. Who knows, they may end up being your next roommate. I'm glad I didn't give up after my first month, semester, or even year. I can't imagine being anywhere than exactly where I am right now, having the time of my life.
