Starting Out and Going Onward by Alex Jefferson

Being a first generation college student, only living with my mother, it can be safe to say that I was completely clueless to what college would be like. I was expecting something a bit more dissonant. People would be more stubborn and uptight or oppositely, extremely nihilistic and were only there to party. Needless to say, the 3 hour ride up was definitely a curious and tense one (even though it was at five in the morning).

But, thankfully, the outcome was very positive. Turns out a lot people are actually on your side and want to make sure all is well in your situation. My mother kept thinking we’d show up with someone holding a bill for all the money we owed or we won’t get in and that we need our shot records to get into the dorms. But reality set in and at about noon, I was having lunch with my new dorm mate and his parents at the food court. Life was good. Life still is good after the first week of classes. The environment is uplifting, and one of success, especially for the school I attend, Colorado University at Boulder. Everywhere you go you see the mountains to the west, the “bro’s” in Farrand field throwing around the discs and playing soccer, while all the cute girls in their indie attire and sandals roam around constantly.

Even with all these delightful senses of “new” and “energetic” characteristics, you can’t help but see people who still seem distant, socially awkward, and too quiet to really get an idea of what college is. And for a little bit of time, I used to be like that, kind of. But recently, yesterday actually, I went to lunch and sat down with complete strangers who actually turned out to be seniors. Needless to say, it was a growing experience, and that’s exactly what college is. To help you grow and gain more experience, to get you ready for the even bigger world. Because even though there are a few stubborn chaps and party boys who really shouldn’t be part of the campus life, don’t let that distract you from the countless teachers, students, and upperclassmen who really do want you to succeed. Really.