It seems like yesterday I was starting at American. Somehow, it’s now the end of my third semester here. Can anyone tell me where the past year of my life went? Upperclassmen probably understand this. For you freshman, think back to how quick your senior year went. Now double that speed. That’s your first year of college. It’s exciting and new and terrifying and all the other good adjectives admissions counselors use. But then what?
Here I am, one year later, and feeling rather disoriented in the whole scheme of things. Surrounded by brilliant peers from all over the world, it often times feels like I’m in way over my head. I’m not a diplomat’s kid. I didn’t take a gap year. I barely get English class. I’m not exactly the poster child for an SIS student. Quite honestly, I feel rather invisible in comparison to the other eight hundred undergrads wanting to change the world. Lost in SIS, one might say.
I am writing this as the hopeful beginning to a series on your average Jane navigating the world of SIS. For those of you feeling the same way, here’s the limited advice I can offer right now: you are as invisible as you want to be. People are as intimidating as you make them out to be. Remember this the next time you feel like you aren’t smart enough to speak up in class. College is not a CEO position. You’re allowed to make mistakes and people are going to be there to support you. Next class, just go for it. Who knows? You might start a discussion no one else would think of.
Only time will tell how I’ll navigate the world of SIS. Hopefully, I’ll figure out some more lessons to share with you along the way. Until next time.
Image: http://alumniassociation.american.edu/s/1395/social_chapters.aspx?sid=1395&gid=1&pgid=815&cid=2046