Freshman Thesis

Christina Williams
December 3, 2012

The Real Deal
Coming to college was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only has it matured me but it has also taught me things about myself that I never knew. Not only is it a new experience, but an entirely different atmosphere from the high school life. My first semester here at North Carolina Central University was overwhelming. I found myself being busier than I’ve ever been. But, it was all for the good. I learned how to be productive and manage my time more effectively.
My expectations upon arriving were very high. I was expecting to meet many new people from different parts of the world from many different cultures. The thought of expanding my knowledge with new material had me very excited as well. Handling the workload was going to rely solely on me, and me alone. I knew there wasn’t going to be anyone to blame but me for my own failure. I expected there to be more challenging material introduced to me. My expectations for campus life were way different than what they actually were. I expected it to be like I’ve seen in movies which were undeniably entertaining. I was one of the students that thought that college was going to be a big party. My professors’ expectations of me were going to be drastically different. In high school you were in trouble for not attending class. Written up, and in some circumstances suspended. Your professor does expect you to come to class, but it’s not demanded. There will be no write up’s or suspensions. You are penalized by robbing yourself of the education you are paying for. Your professor won’t ask where your work is; only make you aware that you are failing. Some are nice enough to inquire into what the problem may be. However, again, the work load falls entirely on you. From my experiences I learned that college isn't all about being successful socially, rather, it is about being successful academically. It made me realize that your freshman year of college will make you or break you.
The most challenging part of college to me was getting in. Well, that’s what I thought. The hardest part was not getting wrapped up in too much that I would lose my focus and forget what I’m really here for. After a long week of studying, homework, and classwork the most exciting part for me has been nightlife. The way college parties are portrayed in movies is exactly how it is in real life. I really have enjoyable weekends here on campus.
My most memorable experience was moving out of my mom’s house. That was the best day and the worst day of my life at the same time. I was happy to be growing up and being on my own but sad to be leaving my family and friends. I never knew what it was like to be on my own. In the beginning I was very homesick and wanted to go back home every time I spoke to my family. Somehow I managed to stay at school for over a month without going home because I began to feel comfortable here at North Carolina Central University. Once I learned where everything was and starting meeting my new friends I got over the home sick phase.
North Carolina Central University has become home for me. I love the people here and the environment. Not only is that, but the campus itself beyond beautiful. There are so many things here on campus to get involved in and people to help you adjust to the college life every step of the way. My advice for first-year/transfer students would be to stay focused. You’re first semester/year is very important. I would also advise that they utilize all the help that they’re offered and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s also good to network. It’s not who you know, but who knows you. My advice for instructors of first year/transfer students would be to make the lesson relevant to our lives, be relatable, explain things in detail, be informative and last but not least, be patient with them because this is something that you really have to adjust to. I couldn’t be more proud of my school and the improvement being made each day. I’m proud to call North Carolina Central University my new home. My first semester has had its ups and downs. But, I look at all of my downs as learning experiences. I wouldn’t trade my college experience for the world, in the end it will be worth every bit.