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Feeling like a freshman in the best possible way

January 01, 2020

Within about two months of high school graduation, my classification as a high school senior changed back to a freshman in college. What a shock. I had to relive the anxieties of a new place with new people and new standards. To say the least, I was scared.

I began to feel more comfortable, however, as I set my routine and met very, very kind people around Ouachita’s campus. Ouachita was buzzing with the excitement of the events of the semester ahead. From football games to TWIRP week to Tiger Tunes, everyone seemed to look forward to something! It wasn't until the Friday of Homecoming Week that I really felt like I belonged at Ouachita.

I attended Tiger Tunes that night, and while it was as amazing as promised, it was the events before and after the show that set the tone for my freshman year. Before I met up with my roommate to join the audience in JPAC, my day included turning in assignments, procrastinating homework (I do not recommend unless you’re watching The Office on Netflix) and a dinner date. It was a busy but good day. In my mind that day alone was fulfilling, but the adventures of that night were even better!

After Tiger Tunes, we walked over to the after party, Muggin’, to talk to the performers and watch some interesting dance moves of the guys of Eta Alpha Omega. All the talking and dancing made a few friends and I realize how hungry we were – actually, we’re always hungry. So, we spontaneously took a trip to Whataburger in Texarkana.

In this moment, I looked back on my day and the road ahead, and I truly felt like a college freshman. I felt like a college kid who maybe didn’t study as much as I should have, but I made some lasting relationships. For me, that entire day amounted to my realization that I was on my own, making my own decisions for myself.

Freshman year has been a bit stressful and hard-pressed. I enjoy slow-paced days and procrastination as much as the next person, but sometimes the busy days full of activities and unplanned trips are necessary to remember that I am in college. I have things to do, places to be and people to meet!

Shae ParkerBy Shae Parker, a sophomore education major from Wylie, TX.

 

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