First Week at College.

As I entered the quad, anxious to begin my college experience, I began to feel very nervous. The thought of actually being in college frightened me. I wasn't sure if I was ready to take on the challenge of pharmacy school. I remembered my high school professor using the cliché, "high school will be the best years of your life." I missed my high school years: easy classes, playing sports, hanging out with friends. I remembered getting through the tough times in high school with my friends. The transition from high school to college is going to be a challenging feat to overcome, but my ambitions of succeeding in college will help me triumph over them.

The first part of my transition started in the residence halls. While on the elevators, one of the guys that I met at orientation welcomed me to my floor and introduced me to his roommates. I then met my residence advisor (RA) who welcomed me to the floor with open arms. She seemed like a really nice person so I knew I would not have any problems with her. When I first walked into my dorm room, I wasn't quite sure about how my roommate and I were going to be able to live in there. I knew there would be no way for all my belongings to fit in the small space. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make this transition from home living to college living. Back home I was used to sleeping in my bed at night in my own bedroom. I wasn't used to sharing a room with someone else. My mind was set on succeeding in college so I knew I had to adjust quickly. The first night while lying in my bed I remembered the band Coldplay singing their song, "Clocks." I had the lyrics, "Home, home where I want to go," stuck in my head. It was only the first night of college and I already missed my friends and family back home in Chicago. I quickly forced myself to fall asleep, knowing that I had a long day of classes approaching.

The first few days here were not too bad because I spent them meeting people and getting to know the neighborhood. I grew very anxious once again the night before classes began, however, I remembered my father telling me that if I put my mind towards something, I could achieve whatever I desired. I woke up bright and early the next day ready to conquer any obstacles that were put in my way. I knew I was physically prepared for my classes, but I wasn't sure if I was mentally prepared. The classes in college were a lot bigger than high school. I wasn't used to having two hundred students in my Chemistry class. After my first day of classes I was frightened as well as eager to put forth my potential into my school work.

On the way back to the dorms I was greeted by a number of student organizations asking me to join. I was overwhelmed at the number of organizations such a small school had. I decided to join the Students Pharmacists Association (SPA), International Students Organization (ISO), and Student Council. I was an active member in my high school's student council chapter, so I already had the discipline and organizational skills I needed to succeed through out high school. I was eager to join these clubs and meet new people. I knew that these clubs would help me grow as a person and help me become more involved with the school and its activities. Before I left Chicago for college, I hoped I would make a broad group of friends. One of the nights I attended the Kappa Psi fraternity "tiki" party. I left the school with some friends I had made on my residence hall floor. I had great time at the party meeting new people and dancing with them. Half of the people that I met were from Chicago. I knew they had the same worries about college as I did, being so far away from home and all. I also met some kids of the same ethnicity as me in their second and third years.

A few nights later I decided to explore the city of St. Louis with a couple of new friends I made. We hitched a ride on the Metrolink to Union Station. I enjoyed a nice steak dinner and virgin margaritas at Houlihan's. I visited all the stores and walked in on someone's wedding in the grand ballroom. My friends and I were dressed up so nobody suspected us. I ended up having a great time at Union Station. The random fun my friends and I encountered, allowed us to strengthen our bond. My perspective on college was very different from what it actually turned out to be. I expected college to be this mature institution where everyone constantly studied and had intellectual thoughts constantly running through their minds.

My first week of college was a great eye-opener for me. I learned many useful tips on how to survive freshman year here. I realized that all the resources I need are here at college; it's just a matter of utilizing them. I had much insecurity about college life: the work load, roommate situation, being away from my parents, and whether I would fit in or not. Within a few days most of those worries were destroyed. During this first week alone, I discovered a lot about myself which has made the transition smoother. I found out that I was very independent and a quick learner. With my ambitions and work ethic I truly believe that the upcoming six years will be the best times of my life, and I intend to make the most of every moment.