After a few weeks I did begin to become very homesick. I didn't particularly get along well with my roommate, though I was thankful to have suitemates that were becoming close friends of mine. I drove home for Labor Day weekend and didn't want to leave at the end to go back to school. As much as I was trying to be brave and independent, it was so nice to be in the comfort of my family and hometown. I made my way back to school and challenged myself to get involved on campus to make some meaningful connections.
Being silly with my suitemates at the end of freshman year, Spring 2006
Once I was back at school I went through sorority recruitment and joined Sigma Sigma Sigma which became my home away from home. While I was unsure for a while about joining my sorority, after my new member process I realized I had found a group of women so similar to me. Looking back on college my most memorable moments almost always include my sorority sisters and I'm thankful for challenging myself to go through that experience.
With both of my "little sisters" Fall 2006
Through my sorority I became more involved on campus, and made connections with staff members who became personal mentors and advisors for me. Becoming involved really provided me with a sense of belonging, and even more, a sense of purpose on campus. I definitely made mistakes along the way but they were events that made me learn. From trial and error I found out how to balance my time, keep up with classwork and properly prepare for exams.
While I had never been the shy or quiet one in high school, college was a time where I really came out of my shell. In whatever I was involved in I wholeheartedly threw myself into it seeking out leadership positions and responsibilities. From the many attempts I had made to find the right way to do things I fostered a need to help others. I constantly was providing advice and wisdom to the younger members of organizations that I belonged in and really enjoyed teaching others.
I began to find my strengths and talents which was really important to me. With siblings that were straight "A" students who excelled in math and science it was hard in high school to struggle in those courses. Although I was an above average student I never felt like I was at the same level as my brother and sister and it was a chance for me to really let my own talents shine.
Walking across the stage on May 9, 2009, I shook Chancellor DePalo's hand and turned to face a sea of my peers. Their eyes were bright with the knowledge and wisdom gained the past four (or five, or six...) years, and faces were glowing with excitement and promise for the "real world" after college.
I reflected on the past four years and couldn't believe the incredible difference of seventeen year old Anna who moved into Graham Hall, and the now twenty one year old Anna in her graduation gown who had secured a full time job and was about to embark on a brand new chapter of life. I was confident, aware of myself and others, eager to continue learning, and most of all--I was proud. Proud of the person that I became despite the ups and downs of college. Proud of continually putting myself outside of my comfort zone to experience new things. Proud that I had navigated life on my own for four whole years.
Now I find it hard to believe that I graduated from college over two years ago. While I still go back to revisit good memories it seems that college happened a lifetime ago. What's remarkable is how much I call upon what I learned in those four years, both in and outside of the classroom. This is what has gotten me to where I am today and what I know is the foundation for what is to hopefully be a successful future.
I challenge you all to think about the person you want to be when you walk across the stage at your own graduation. What do you want to achieve? What do you want your peers to remember about you? I encourage you to use college as a time to break out of your comfort zone and experience new things. Focus on your academics, but be spontaneous and enjoy the times that you have with friends. You're beginning four of the most important years in your life!
My best friend Brian and me after our departmental commencement on graduation day
Hope you enjoyed learning about my journey through college!
Anna
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