College Trip 2018
I really enjoyed the college trip. Although I had a lot of anxiety and worries going into it, as I adjusted to the “lifestyle” of travel and adapted to the amount of college information thrown at me it became less and less of a large burden and more of an exciting adventure to take on sooner than later. I loved visiting most of the universities, but so wish we spent more time at Chapman and less at UC Merced, even though I had previously toured Chapman. I loved spending time in hotels with my friends and being away from home for multiple nights. I was able to get part of the college experience by being away from home, which is actually a large fear I have surrounding college, but because I was with people who I trusted and enjoyed the company of, I was relaxed and comfortable. The colleges all offered great tours and informative speakers, all of which were proud to represent their school. To hear that so many people figured out what they wanted to do, or were even accepted as undeclared if they didn’t gave me a new sense of hope that it wasn’t impossible.
I noticed multiple differences between certain schools such as the smaller schools (Chapman, UC Merced) compared to the larger schools (UCSB, Cal Poly SLO). The larger schools seemed to have many more lectures for the most part, and not as much contact to their professor. They did however seem to have more resources and a larger amount of options. Although the size did play a role, the colleges also differed based on location, something unique between all schools. Cal Poly was near the ocean, and had a mountainous view, whereas UC Merced was quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Chapman was in a smaller community, whereas UCSB seemed like its own city.
I think through this experience I have become much more open minded about where I end up. I have always been extremely frightened of college for multiple reasons - distance from home, strangers all around me, lots of money lost, many classes with many students, independence and new beginnings. It all seemed so sudden and like you were so alone, but I now realize it’s not as intimidating as it first appears, and you aren’t forced to go somewhere or do something that isn’t for you. I also enjoyed being away from home a lot more than expected, and loved being around friends and teachers, all of which I’m comfortable and myself around. I survived the bus rides and ate semi-healthy and pretty cheap, of course eating some junk food since it was a road trip. Overall, I surprised myself with the courage I had for going on the trip and the actuality of college.
I think I’m most looking forward to the social aspect of college. The late nights with roommates, fun parties, and crazy memories to recall in my 40’s. What’s ironic is that it’s also probably the part I’m most nervous about. What if I don’t fit in? How will I make friends in such an independent setting? How will I balance social and academic success? Will I find my group or be an outsider? Those are just a few of my burning, bubbling questions. I think if I have faith in my personality and can be and know myself, it won’t be hard to find my people.
I am concerned that the college’s learning environment won’t be for me, or that I will become uncomfortable or isolated. I do think that the latter concern is less likely to happen considering how much choice I have for which college I attend. The concern of isolation and anxiety is a much more real and possible one.
I think that if I was comfortable and confident enough to do that so when it’s offered, I would be more than willing to participate and explore other countries and study somewhere other than the USA. I believe that it would be a wonderful and once in a lifetime experience, and something I would regret not doing.
I would probably want to join club or intramural sports for soccer or maybe even volleyball since I love exercising and won’t be playing Divisional soccer in college. I also think joining fun and lighthearted clubs would be good to keep me from sinking into a slump and keeping me involved.
I would want to attend a smaller school. It doesn’t necessarily need to be private or isolated, but a more community-like school. I also want a hands on experience and to have no lectures if possible, or at least smaller lecture classes. I would possibly attend an art school for photography, but I believe it would be a smart idea to also explore other interests with more steady careers.
I will most likely stay in-state, but there is always the possibility of an East Coast school. Notre Dame is one school in the East Coast that is on the table, but definitely not currently a top choice for me. I will not be traveling out of country for sure.
I noticed multiple differences between certain schools such as the smaller schools (Chapman, UC Merced) compared to the larger schools (UCSB, Cal Poly SLO). The larger schools seemed to have many more lectures for the most part, and not as much contact to their professor. They did however seem to have more resources and a larger amount of options. Although the size did play a role, the colleges also differed based on location, something unique between all schools. Cal Poly was near the ocean, and had a mountainous view, whereas UC Merced was quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Chapman was in a smaller community, whereas UCSB seemed like its own city.
I think through this experience I have become much more open minded about where I end up. I have always been extremely frightened of college for multiple reasons - distance from home, strangers all around me, lots of money lost, many classes with many students, independence and new beginnings. It all seemed so sudden and like you were so alone, but I now realize it’s not as intimidating as it first appears, and you aren’t forced to go somewhere or do something that isn’t for you. I also enjoyed being away from home a lot more than expected, and loved being around friends and teachers, all of which I’m comfortable and myself around. I survived the bus rides and ate semi-healthy and pretty cheap, of course eating some junk food since it was a road trip. Overall, I surprised myself with the courage I had for going on the trip and the actuality of college.
I think I’m most looking forward to the social aspect of college. The late nights with roommates, fun parties, and crazy memories to recall in my 40’s. What’s ironic is that it’s also probably the part I’m most nervous about. What if I don’t fit in? How will I make friends in such an independent setting? How will I balance social and academic success? Will I find my group or be an outsider? Those are just a few of my burning, bubbling questions. I think if I have faith in my personality and can be and know myself, it won’t be hard to find my people.
I am concerned that the college’s learning environment won’t be for me, or that I will become uncomfortable or isolated. I do think that the latter concern is less likely to happen considering how much choice I have for which college I attend. The concern of isolation and anxiety is a much more real and possible one.
I think that if I was comfortable and confident enough to do that so when it’s offered, I would be more than willing to participate and explore other countries and study somewhere other than the USA. I believe that it would be a wonderful and once in a lifetime experience, and something I would regret not doing.
I would probably want to join club or intramural sports for soccer or maybe even volleyball since I love exercising and won’t be playing Divisional soccer in college. I also think joining fun and lighthearted clubs would be good to keep me from sinking into a slump and keeping me involved.
I would want to attend a smaller school. It doesn’t necessarily need to be private or isolated, but a more community-like school. I also want a hands on experience and to have no lectures if possible, or at least smaller lecture classes. I would possibly attend an art school for photography, but I believe it would be a smart idea to also explore other interests with more steady careers.
I will most likely stay in-state, but there is always the possibility of an East Coast school. Notre Dame is one school in the East Coast that is on the table, but definitely not currently a top choice for me. I will not be traveling out of country for sure.