Life as a Freshman

I am now a Jimmie!

Being at the bottom again is a new transition that I wasn’t ready for. I was so used to being called a senior, and now I am back to square one.

Being a freshman again has made me realize that you have to move forward and build. Being at college, being away from my home, family and friends has helped me realize who I really am.

I have found that most of the upperclassmen are very inviting and generous. As well as the staff members. Almost every time I run into my counselor he says hi and asks how my day has been so far.

One thing I have realized about myself is that I have become much less social since leaving home. I believe that being away from my friends especially my best friend has let me become too quiet. I was so used to being “DJ White from Lincoln”, and now I feel like just another student on campus. Rebuilding yourself is never easy, but this is the first time for me.

Growing up in Washington state, I was used to seeing the same face as I moved from middle school to high school, I always had someone to take with me, but coming into Jamestown I had to leave everyone behind and go on by myself.

I remember the day my mom dropped me off at the airport, I looked at her as she teared up and just smiled, I did not realize that as soon as she turned away I’d be the one to cry. I always told myself I’d be ok on my own; but being out here made me realize I was wrong, I can’t make it all by myself. I’d give anything to see my mom again and most importantly my grandma. It is hard knowing that I won’t be able to go home and see my family whenever I want. I’ve always been the strong one who was there for others, gave them a shoulder to cry on, always smile and never shed a tear. But now, I am the one who needs someone.

Other than being a little homesick sometimes, I must say that I do enjoy the campus and the beauty of it. I believe my favorite part of living on campus is the amount of times I have seen the sunrise. As surprising as it may be I have never seen the different colors of sunsets that I have seen here. My personal favorite is the coral and yellow sunset. I even set it as my phone’s background.

I am glad that I get the chance to experience a new environment, and I really do like the area (excluding the mosquitoes). Last weekend I got to experience my first car race at the race track. I found that to be an awesome experience and extremely interesting.

I also really enjoy the community. I like how close everything is. Personally I like to walk, so don’t be surprised if you see me wondering around town.

I miss home, I do, but Jamestown is becoming more like my home every day. And although Washington will always be my home, when I go back there, I think I might miss UJ.

Anyway, when I do go back, I wish I could take the gas prices with me!