I stood on the bridge overlooking Lady Bird Lake, my dad to my left and a stranger in dire need of deodorant to my right. The green-blue waters below were crowded with kayaks and double-decker boats. An ice cream cart clattered on the sidewalk behind us.
"What time are the bats supposed to come out?" I asked.
"Sunset," my dad replied, though he sounded unsure.
The sun had just disappeared past the horizon. Could bats succumb to peer pressure? Did they know how popular of a tourist attraction they were? These thoughts kept me occupied as I rested my chin on the railing and waited for bats that would ultimately never show.
It was hard for me not to feel completely swallowed by the tall buildings that surrounded me on all sides. In truth, I hadn't given college much thought because the idea of living in Austin made my head spin. There were roughly 50,100 students enrolled at The University of Texas in 2015. That's 50 times more people than the town I was born in.
As I tried to fall asleep that night, I wondered how long it would take for me to call Austin my home. It was the first time I'd visited the city since enrolling at UT, and I needed to envision myself living amidst the ambitious twenty-somethings and electric scooters. I needed to brace myself for change.
But as I continued to toss and turn, I realized that was the last thing I wanted to do. What I wanted to do was sleep in, grab a late breakfast, and maybe finish the book I'd stuffed inside my pillowcase. Instead, I was wide-awake and restless, counting down the hours until freshman orientation in the morning. Two days of non-stop interaction with people I didn't know. What fun.
I wish I could go back and tell myself to stop worrying—because as it turns out, freshman orientation wasn't as overwhelming as I expected it to be. In fact, it's probably been the highlight of my summer vacation.
What's ironic is that the book I'd brought—"Again, but Better" by Christine Riccio—told me the exact message I needed to hear. I ended up finishing the novel before falling asleep, its final chapters leaving me in awe and slightly less anxious than before. Riccio's story motivates readers to step out of their comfort zones and chase after the things they want. It told me that I owed it to myself to meet people, attend events, and make the most out of my few days on campus.
I know it sounds common sense, but Riccio's message gave me the confidence to put myself out there and have a good time. I met so many future Longhorns who were passionate about their majors and—get this!—nervous about attending the 400-acre campus that was UT. The girls on my dormitory floor and I bonded over icebreakers (ran by our fantastic wing leader, Jesse!), Chipotle bowls, and unwanted critters in communal bathrooms. I spent my days sweating through free t-shirts and trying to stay awake during presentations. I spent my nights talking to my roommate, singing karaoke, and attempting to roller-skate. Above all else, I formed friendships that I hope to continue throughout my four years of college.
There was one moment during orientation I will never forget. It was at my first meeting for the Liberal Arts Honors program. One of our future professors had each of us introduce ourselves and ask the group a 'by-a-show-of-hands' question. Who here watched the Women's World Cup finals? Does anyone know a second language?
"Does anyone enjoy creative writing?" somebody asked. I raised my hand. When I looked around the room, I was stunned.
Everyone raised their hand.
Never had I been in a room full of people whose interests aligned so precisely with my own. Up until then, I believed that my desire to study writing was an anomaly. And yet here I was, surrounded by individuals who loved to write! I felt this overwhelming sense of belonging that I didn't even know was missing.
What I love about UT—and college in general—is that it gives students the opportunity to pursue the things they are most passionate about. I met student orientation advisors who are majoring in LGBTQ+/Sexuality Studies and take active leadership in the queer community on campus. I had meaningful conversations with classmates who loved assisting with intubation procedures at their local hospital and others who want to work for non-profits in South America. Though passion points us all in different directions, it's contagious nonetheless, and I can't wait to contribute a similar energy to UT this fall.
If you're an incoming college freshman, a proactive mindset goes a long way. That involves a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, indulge in your interests, and most importantly, be yourself! The ideal orientation/college experience isn't your school's responsibility, but your own. It's up to you to put in the effort to make friends, join organizations, and shape your learning experience to your liking. I've found so much joy in having this outlook so far. And I hope you do, too.
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