My first year at the University of Maryland started quite stressfully. The campus was overwhelming to navigate, and I had Google Maps open constantly. Yet I still managed to get lost several times. However, once I finally moved past the phase of relying on maps, I began to enjoy my time here much more. I slowly got used to my class schedule, adapted to the homework load, and became more comfortable with the constant exams. Before coming to college, I expected to have zero free time and imagined I’d be stuck in my dorm most days. To my surprise, the first month wasn’t as intense as I had feared. This allowed me to adjust gradually and still spend time with my friends. The breaks in my schedule became an unexpected gift. They gave me time to rest, prep for my next class, and even explore campus cafes for new study spots. One of the most surprising highlights was taking NEUR200, a neuroscience course taught by Dr. Navarro. I enrolled in it because of my neuroscience minor, and it turned out to be the most fun I’ve had in a class so far. I learned so much about the brain and the mechanisms behind human behavior. I highly recommend this class to anyone curious about how and why we function the way we do. Through this course and others, I had the chance to meet new people and build meaningful relationships with both my professors and TAs. That support made understanding the material easier and also gave me the confidence to ask questions. I strongly suggest attending office hours or even staying after class just to introduce yourself. While not every class will allow you to form close bonds, getting to know someone in your field of interest can really help you understand the bigger picture and your own academic path. Another unexpectedly great part of the semester was the field trips. Two standout experiences were our trips to New York City and the National Zoo, which were both memorable and helped make my first year in the SGC program really special. These trips gave us a chance to bond with classmates outside the usual classroom setting and made me appreciate our learning on a more personal level. College life at UMD turned out to be very different from what I had imagined in high school. I thought it would be far more difficult and assumed that people would be distant and mostly keep to themselves. I was surprised to find just the opposite. The community, especially in my dorm and on my floor, was welcoming and tight-knit. The friendships I’ve built have become a crucial support system. I’ve learned that university life isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s also about forming genuine connections, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. Outside of the Scholars program, I joined several clubs, including the Nepali Student Association (NSA). Being part of NSA helped me connect with more people, many of whom I’ve grown close to just from seeing them regularly. The club events created easy ways to socialize without needing to plan everything myself. These clubs didn’t just give me a sense of community. They also helped me expand my social circle and build friendships I know will last. I recommend joining at least one club, not just for the support system, but also because you’ll learn things you wouldn’t otherwise know, like where certain buildings are or what events are happening around campus. Whether I’m collaborating on a project or just having a casual conversation, I’ve found that these relationships have been incredibly rewarding and comforting during my first year. In addition to clubs, I’ve attended various campus events and tried out new activities. Exploring local restaurants, going to gatherings with friends, and just taking part in student life have all made my week more exciting. These experiences gave me something to look forward to and helped me unwind from academic stress. Trying new foods and discovering hidden spots around the city became unexpected highlights of my time here. These outings brought balance to the heavier workload of my classes and helped me stay grounded and more connected to the broader university community. Relaxing with friends, sharing laughs, and exploring new places have made this semester about much more than just academics. It’s become a time of real personal growth. To any future SGC Scholars, my biggest piece of advice is to take your time settling in. Make an effort to reach out, form new friendships, and use the resources around you. There are so many chances to grow and connect, and the more you take advantage of them, the more rewarding your time here will be. Finally, while I was mentally prepared for tough coursework, I wasn’t ready for just how big this campus is or for how much free time I’d have. At first, I stuck to my dorm, unsure of what to do. But over time, I’ve become more independent. Now, I enjoy studying outside or lying in the sun with a good book. Taking time to reflect and slow down is something I’ve learned is vital, especially when everything around you moves so quickly. College might turn out to be very different from what you expect. But if you allow yourself to embrace new experiences and meet new people, it will be more fulfilling than you ever imagined.