While the days are getting longer, the number of remaining days in my freshman year is dwindling. As I look at myself in the mirror mounted on the back of my dorm door, I barely recognize myself. While I may not look any different than I did all those months ago, the girl staring back at me is almost unrecognizable. I have gone through so much change and consequently massive growth in the past few months. I have so many new friends, perspectives, and ideas that a younger version of myself could have never fathomed. My world has expanded and so has my mind. My undereye bags may be a little deeper and my hair a little greyer but my smile has never been wider.
I am so grateful for everything that I have been able to experience in my few months at the University of Maryland. One of the main things that would surprise my previous self, is my double major. Upon my arrival at this university, I was ready to conquer the computer science department. I was confident in my abilities and my passion was seemingly unwavering. That was until I took my first college-level computer science class. The minute the class started I fell behind. CMSC132 shook everything that I had originally considered steady. It left me disillusioned and petrified for my future. I spent the entirety of my winter break questioning my decisions and passions. Did I want to pursue a career in computer science? Did I even choose the right university? I was lost and almost unreconcilable. However, under the guidance of a family friend, I came into my second semester with fresh eyes. My friend had advised me to branch out from my current field and look for classes that simply piqued my interest. That was how I ended up registering for GVPT 273, the study of environmental politics. In simple terms, this class saved me. The people, the professor, and the content all reignited a passion for learning that I thought was long gone. I have a nasty habit of skipping my classes, however, to this date, I have not missed a single lecture for my government class. This class even inspired me to seek out a double degree in Government and Politics. I have reevaluated my goals and passions and found a path that reinforces my confidence and inspires me to work harder every day. This class has also allowed me to make connections with faculty that I did not know were possible. The computer science department can feel robotic at times. It's easy to get lost in the large lecture halls and feel more like a number than a person. I cannot express how friendly and welcoming the Government department is, especially in comparison to the CMSC department. Being a GVPT major has allowed me to talk to faculty on a much smaller scale. Since the GVPT professors generally have fewer students, it is easy to go up and chat with your professors after class or over email. If I had any recommendations for incoming freshmen it would be to reach out to your professors. As corny as it sounds, the worst thing they can say is no. Just shoot them an email or ask them for advice on an assignment after class. They are professors in these subjects because they are passionate about them, so I can almost guarantee that they are not opposed to talking to their students about their interests outside of the classroom.
While the government department has been a great influence on my path to discovering myself and my passions, I cannot deny the importance of my friends. I was intimidated coming to a school where it seemed like everyone already knew each other from high school. It seemed like everyone already had a group, a best friend, a significant other, and enough inside jokes to fill Comedy Central’s airtime for the next millennia. I was out of my comfort zone(literally an out-of-state student). However, there is one person that I credit with all of my social success, my roommate. Sydney is easily my closest friend on campus and one of the most important people in my life. She introduced me to her friends and made me feel included when it seemed like there was no place for me at Maryland. We have been through so much together and even though she’s only been in my life for a year, I know that she is not going anywhere. In addition, I have also been blessed to join a campus organization, that I would even be so inclined to call my family. I have never felt safer around a group of people and they single-handedly make this large campus feel close-knit and warmer. If I had any advice for incoming freshmen, please don’t underestimate the importance of finding your people. I know it may seem intimidating but you have to put yourself out there. I am in at least twenty different groups for different organizations. You have to try out every org to find your fit. Don’t be afraid to just go to a meeting.
College has challenged me in ways that I never could have imagined. High school gave false confidence in college-level courses. I falsely believed that my AP classes were going to prepare me for the intensity, speed, and general format of college classes. My first semester rocked me and I was forced to be a hermit for half of my second semester. If there is one suggestion I could give to incoming freshmen, it is to take it slow your first semester. Take a lighter courseload and use your time to discover your preferred learning/studying styles. For me, I have found that studying in DC and watching recorded lectures have been the most beneficial for my grades, but everyone learns differently. Don’t compare yourself to others or try to copy what they are doing. Allow yourself to pave your own path.