I have been a college student for an entire three weeks now. (Wow!) School is great, and I enjoy walking amidst the large buildings on campus. It is a really nice place, too, with beautiful trees everywhere and nice brick buildings. I am just getting to the point were I recognize quite a few of the people I see when I’m walking around outside of classes, and I’m getting to know a few of the other freshman students, especially the other members of the choir.
I had to audition to see if I could make one of the three choirs on campus, and found out my official singing category when the choir director told me I have the range of a low soprano. I was placed in the women’s choir, and it’s truly an amazing experience to sing in such a large group. I was amazed at the beautiful sounds we produce as even as we warm up our voices.
Classes are going fairly well, though I’m still trying to figure out how much study time I need to put into each one. I really like my teachers, who are very approachable and willing to help if you have questions.
Of course, there has been a few difficulties in transitioning from a home environment, and since I promised I would show the world exactly what happens when a poor, unsocialized homeschooler finds themselves in college, I must be honest and tell all of the challenges I have had to face in the last three weeks:
The Backpack
I have never had to carry more than one book at a time in my backpack, so it has taken me a while to get used to carry it loaded with three thick textbooks and several notebooks. I have improved my back stamina a lot since the first day of classes, when I thought I was going to die from the load before I’d crossed half the campus!
The Drinking Fountains
Since I have been living within a 15 seconds of a glass of water my entire life, I have never had to learn how to drink from a fountain without dripping all over my face and clothing. This challenge took about two weeks to overcome.
The Language Barrier
I have found that students who came from a school environment have a language of their own. Last week, I got up the gumption to answer a question Chemistry, and a girl next to me raised her fist in my direction. Maybe she had wished she had given the answer? Not knowing what she expected me to do, I just smiled at her sheepishly. The girl lifted her other fist and demonstrated (with some exasperation) that she expected me to bump her fist with mine.
Stay tuned, as I’m hoping to devote a whole post to the socialization myth as soon as I have time!
Thanks for the update, Sarah. I’m more familiar with the open hand “high five”. We are glad you are having fun. Your voice will be an asset to the women’s choir. Congratulations on getting in.
Was happy to hear from you. I think of you daily. You are making huge strides as a “homeschooler”. We are so very proud of you. Can’t wait to hear some singing.