The Bearable ‘Froshness’ of Being in College

Well, it’s official, my freshman year at Washington State University has wrapped up, and I can gladly say I passed all my classes. I was never quite sure what college would look like for me. With one year under my belt, I think that I am still searching for that answer.

Once I committed to WSU, people would ask if I had friends who were also going. Yes, I did know some people from high school that were going and others that were older and already there. I took comfort in this because I was worried about not knowing anyone. Having friends was a big concern, and the idea of meeting people was somewhat scary. Little did I know I would meet some who I now consider my closest friends.

I showed up on move-in day not knowing who my roommate was, with whom I had only exchanged a few texts. As soon as we met, we instantly clicked and became inseparable. I was so lucky to have her as my roommate, and I credit her with the success I had my freshman year. We got each other, and we accepted each other. Now I have a friend for life.

I am studying Music Education in the hope of becoming a music teacher, but we’ll see where my path takes me. In high school, I didn’t have a great experience in that music world, and it was a struggle not to quit. But I am so glad I continued because I am finally starting to enjoy it again. I have an amazing mentor and teacher who not only believes in me but who challenges me and whom I greatly admire. It is incredible how positive teachers can bring out the best in people.

Starting out, I had some very challenging classes, and without the help of my professors, I would not have made it. I truly love the School of Music at WSU and find it not only inspiring but nurturing, and am finally trusting the culture of safety that the school is based upon. It is sad that I did not experience the same in high school. But looking forward, I know these experiences are going to help me as a future teacher build a classroom environment that is safe for every learner and one that builds people up instead of tearing them down.

College means leaving the comfort of routine and family. For some, this freedom could be a good thing; for others, bad. The suddenness of self-accountability is quite daunting. Social pressure exists almost everywhere: parties, studying, forging new friendships, and no one is regulating your actions except yourself. We are equipped, of course, with the conscience cultivated over the years while growing up. But I watched this newfound freedom cause people to crash and burn. Some of my new friends will not be returning. WSU just wasn’t their fit. For others, the college thing wasn’t for them.

Some advice that I have for graduating high school seniors is to just enjoy this time “between.” This is the summer before everything will change. You will likely go straight into another school or straight into the workforce. Regardless, the routine that guided us for 12 years is over, and new “adventures in adulting” await. Soak up every opportunity to get out there and have fun, but it’s important to remember the balance between school and social life.

My biggest tip is to take advantage of office hours and get to know your professors. In my experience, the better they know you, the more likely they’ll be willing to help you out in class with extensions and extra credit opportunities. They, for the most part, have been where you are, and they have sound advice regarding how to navigate the challenges of school.

Also, remember you are never alone. I was grateful for the support of my family. Even as I began to build my family away from home, I knew that things would always be OK because my mom, brother, and grandparents believed in me.

I encourage everyone who can to at least try college. It is not only about education but also about meeting people from all walks of life from all over the world. It gives an individual the opportunity for perspective and growth that sometimes is not achievable. For me, it was the right decision. Is my future totally planned and a clear path? Nope. But I am comfortable with that, and I am confident that I have a support system at home and away to help guide me as I search for my future self.

Grace Nesbit begins her sophomore year at WSU this month. She grew up in Lakebay and attended Evergreen Elementary, Key Peninsula Middle School, and Peninsula High.