My first semester at the University of Maryland was very stressful at the start as the campus was difficult to navigate and I had Google Maps open constantly and still managed to get lost several times. However, once the stage of needing Google Maps was over, I started to enjoy my time here a lot more. I got used to my class schedule slowly over time and got accustomed to the homework load and the constant exams I would have. Before university, I did expect to have no free time at all and I thought I would be constantly in my dorm, but the first month of school was less intense than I thought it would be. This allowed me to get used to the class load slowly and still spend some time with my friends. The gaps in my schedule allowed me to rest and prepare for my next class, and I also used the gaps to explore the cafes at UMD for study spots. One of the most surprising aspects of my first semester was the course CPSG100. Specifically, I was very confused and surprised by our intense coverage of HTML code and its impact on the class grades and assignments. I hadn't anticipated that coding would be such an integral part of the course, and it took me a while to adjust. However, as the semester progressed towards the end, we spent more time going over the many eras of the earth and the numerous mass extinctions that occurred, which caused massive biodiversity loss. These lessons had a significant impact on me, especially when considering their relevance to today’s society. The course explored how we can look back in time at fossils to act as a warning for today’s massive global change, which is spoken about mainly in the book “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History”. While I wasn’t prepared for the HTML part of the class, I was aware of the environmental and fossil lessons that we would go over, so that was a bit more familiar and interesting to me. Another unexpected but welcome part of the semester was the field trips we had. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we would be going to NYC for a trip. These field trips were fun and made my first semester at university memorable. The chance to engage with my classmates outside the classroom environment allowed me to form stronger connections and better appreciate the subject matter we were studying. Life as a university student at Centerville is drastically different from my past high school vision of college life. I thought university would be much more difficult, and I imagined the people around me would be more distant. However, I was shocked to see how closely we interact with those around us in our building and on our floor. The community here is surprisingly tight-knit, and I’ve found that the connections I've made with my peers have been a great source of support. It turns out, that university life is not just about intense studying; it’s also about building relationships, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. Outside of Scholars, I have joined many clubs, which has allowed me to meet even more people, some of whom I’ve become very close with. These clubs have not only provided opportunities to pursue my interests but have also helped me expand my social circle and develop friendships that I know will last. Whether it’s collaborating on projects or just having casual conversations, I’ve found these connections to be both enriching and reassuring during my first semester. In addition to my involvement in clubs, I’ve had the chance to attend various events and try new activities. Going to campus events, exploring local restaurants, and participating in different gatherings with my new friends have been exciting and have given me something to look forward to during the week. These experiences have been a great way to unwind, take a break from the academic pressure, and build lasting memories. Whether it’s trying new foods or discovering hidden gems around the city, these outings have become a highlight of my time at university. They offer a much-needed balance to the more intense moments of studying and classwork, and they’ve helped me feel more connected to the university community. Relaxing with friends, sharing laughs, and exploring new places have all contributed to making my first semester not just about academics but about enjoying life and the journey of personal growth. For future SGC scholars, I would recommend taking your time in the program to make new friends, reach out, and use the resources provided. There are many opportunities to gain skills and make valuable connections, and it’s important to take full advantage of them. College life may be different than you expect, but if you allow yourself to embrace the experiences and challenges that come your way, it will be much more rewarding than you imagine.