Reflections on First Year

While I write this reflection, I am sitting in my favorite chair on the 9th floor of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. I am sipping on an iced latte from the Hampshire Cafè, my favorite coffee stop. My weathered UCard holder lies to the right of me; a hearty salad from Green Fields on the left. The window behind me boasts a magnificent view of the campus I have grown to love so much. My surroundings are reminiscent of how far I have come from my first day, and how comfortable and happy I now feel at UMass. As I conclude the last semester of my first year, I want to look back on the good and the bad, and what I have learned about myself in the process.

Growing up in Los Angeles, UMass was a pretty big adjustment for me. Not only was I leaving my friends and family behind, but I was leaving them for college all the way across the country. I was very enthusiastic about going to UMass, yet a part of me was uncertain I had made the right decision. However, within my first few days of being here, those doubts vanished quickly. I instantly fell in love with every element of UMass: the beautiful campus, the engaging classes, the amazing food, the endless activities, and most of all, the people I have met. 

UMass Amherst’s campus is what initially motivated me to apply, and I truly feel at home here. Whether I am rushing to classes or heading for a bite at Berkshire, I always stop to admire my surroundings. When I am not busy, I enjoy sitting on a bench by the pond and watching the ducks, or viewing the sunset from the hill in Central. I also like to relax in the Durfee Conservatory, a personal favorite of mine. There are so many charming places and quirks of Amherst – and not just at UMass. I have found that there is so much to explore off-campus, and in nearby towns like Northampton and Hadley.

Although I loved my newfound independence of being a college student, I remember being very anxious about whether or not I would make friends. The social transition felt so daunting to me, especially because I did not know anyone else going to UMass. Despite my worries, I found friends that I truly love and know will be in my life for a long time. I credit many of the friendships I have formed to pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I know that my advice is nothing new, but it has genuinely done so much for me. Asking that person to dinner first or going to that club by yourself might just be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

A year ago today, I wouldn’t have listened to that advice. I have changed so much from the person I was eight months ago, for which I am so grateful. College is a blend of new experiences and opportunities, and whether good or bad, they help you find yourself. Living in a dorm with a roommate has taught me how to set boundaries and be more respectful of others’ space. Navigating the social scene has taught me to be more outgoing and confident in myself, and confrontational when I need to be. Juggling my classes and workload has taught me to establish priorities and remain organized. Every experience is a learning experience, and it’s important to be open to all of them.

I have finished my iced latte and my salad now, and in two days, I will finish my first year at UMass. It’s certainly a bittersweet moment, but reflecting on my past year here only makes me more excited for the next three. See you in September!