When I think back to the beginning of the year, I remember feeling anxious, drained, and unsure of my place at Old Dominion University. Although it’s only been two months since then, I’m happy to announce that my mental health has improved tremendously, as I’ve finally found a balance between academics and leisure. By utilizing effective study methods and educational resources, my performance in Chemistry, Sociology, and English is far better than I expected. While history still proves to be a bit of a challenge, I’ve taken to forming study groups with students in the same class as well as reviewing particularly tough topics at the Perry Library. Making a timeline for each unit has also been incredibly helpful, for organizing the information into a visual representation of events assists in identifying relationships between significant milestones and tying different concepts together. However, despite my newfound confidence in academics, transitioning to college is an obstacle I have yet to overcome.

            In all honesty, my expectations for attending a university were a little too optimistic. While my hopes of gaining more independence and meeting new people have come to fruition, I was entirely unprepared for the dramatic increase in workload. Juggling the material of multiple classes can be incredibly difficult, especially when such courses require 6-10 hours of studying per week. Eventually, all the information starts to blend and, in conjunction with homesickness, can result in academic detachment along with numerous mental breakdowns. However, with the help of teachers, friends, and frequent walks around campus, these events have greatly decreased in frequency. Participating in campus nightlife has helped as well, which is an aspect of campus that I initially found surprising. On a more optimistic note, challenges like navigating campus and printing documents at the library were fairly easy to conquer and will undoubtedly assist in my goal of becoming a nurse. Although the prospect of helping others for a living is incredibly exciting, the prerequisites required for my intended major are far more daunting than I imagined.

            After learning about the academic expectations and coursework associated with the nursing program, I began to doubt my abilities as both a student and potential health care provider. The idea of failing to achieve my decade-long dream is extremely disheartening, especially since its within arm’s reach. On the bright side, I would love to expand my knowledge of medical laboratory science, for topics regarding disease and cellular activity have always piqued my interest. While the coursework is rigorous, I feel that minoring in such a subject would be a wonderful experience.

            Out of all the challenges associated with university life, dealing with homesickness is definitely one of the toughest. Since this is the first time my twin and I have been separated, adjusting to a new environment has been difficult without her by my side. Fortunately, individuals such as Joseph Bowman and Taylor Haley have made it easier to cope with these struggles, and for that I am eternally grateful. Despite my inability to join clubs this semester, I aspire to get involved in volunteer work and, hopefully, become an RA in my sophomore year. Even though my first semester was riddled with uncertainty and experimentation, I am ready and eager to see what the next couple weeks will bring.