The second semester of my sophomore year at Florida State University (FSU) is slowly creeping up on me, which is hard to believe. For weeks, I’ve been saying, “It feels as if I started freshman year just yesterday.” While this sounds similar to something the protagonist in a cliché, coming-of-age film would say, I do feel this way. Time has passed by seemingly in the blink of an eye due to the variety of experiences I have had at FSU so far. While I am not a senior who is about to take her diploma and dive into the next chapter of her life, I still have occasional moments of reflection on how far I have come in just a little over a year.
In all honesty, I used to be afraid of attending college. This fear, which I did not realize I had until about a month before my high school graduation, came from the worry that I was simply incapable of becoming a mature adult. I was not necessarily afraid of the academic portion of college, but the “growing up” portion of it. Furthermore, I was reluctant to be seven hours away from my family and hometown friends. I constantly wondered if this meant I was not prepared enough. Despite this, I chose to move into my first dorm on campus in the FSU summer semester of 2021. I am beyond glad I did.
Not surprisingly, I faced challenges during my freshman year at FSU. I struggled to find students who were looking for friends like I was, had occasional moments of wanting to run back home to my family and more. No first year is picture-perfect, and I had to accept that. Soon enough, however, I mustered the courage to explore my new home rather than shy away from it. I found friends who continue to love and support me. I expanded my knowledge and interests when it came to classes I took. I joined clubs that allow me to express myself and work toward my passions. Homesickness continued to appear at certain moments, but I learned that it is a normal feeling. These milestones are what helped me feel a sense of accomplishment after some difficult moments.
My sophomore year at FSU has not concluded just yet, but it has been exciting with every passing day. I have a newfound confidence in myself, less worry over the level of maturity I stand on compared to my peers and a sense of belonging with the friendships I have formed. Classes have become more difficult, but I continue to work hard to the best of my abilities and aim toward applying for my major next year. I am thankful to be attending a school that has a variety of resources and caring people who are not afraid to help me when I need it most. Additionally, becoming a staff writer for Her Campus at FSU has helped me find my voice and realize who I aspire to be once I become an official graduate.
Leaving my home seven hours behind for college is the primary reason for my growth. FSU helped me overcome obstacles and fears that came from left and right and continues to. If I showed my high school self where I am now, I imagine she would be proud that I face challenges with less fear. College can be a frightening experience, especially living away from your usual safety nets. However, I can truly say that my choice to venture out into a new city and attend FSU has brought me blessings. I hope to continue working toward more personal goals for myself in the remainder of my second year and beyond.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!