First month thoughts

I think we all know that college can be exciting yet overwhelming for many beginners, but what exactly is going through the freshmen minds? The minds of the newbies who still aren’t used to seeing the NYC skyline every day? Well, here is a quick look into how I was processing things…

AAAAAH.

So many new people. So many things to do. 

First there were the small talks and ice breakers. I think we all have had enough of the “linking” game where we all interlocked our sweaty arms in a circle and awkwardly stood around as people introduced themselves. There were three most common phrases spoken: “Hi, my name is Tanishka,” “Hey! What’s your name,” and “Oh, so what’s your major?” If things went further than that, we got creative with “So, where are you from?” So much small talk, but that’s how great friendships are supposed to start right?

How was I going to make friends in this new world? I only had a limited social battery, and I felt like I needed a friend group. It felt as if I only had three days of Pre-Orientation to somehow find the path to my soulmate. I did not find my soulmate, but I did end up finding a fun and caring group of friends. We hung out, got some boba, and sometimes randomly stared at the skyline.

How many places are there on campus where you could get an amazingly clear view of most of Manhattan? Sometimes while walking back to my dorm, my steps would automatically slow down as I became entranced by the night views of the city, which made me think of my future and reminded me of the reason I was at Stevens. Forget relationships, I wanted to be a rich woman who owned a place in the Jenga building (right next to Anderson Cooper) and wore cocktail dresses. Many times, on my way towards the view, though, I would always feel a weird crunch under my feet. When I looked down, I realized that those are not the leaves signaling the start of the best season. Those were the corpses of lanternflies.

Kill them. I remember sitting on one of the tables outside the UCC, eating a burrito bowl I ordered from Sono (I could spend another whole article talking about the wait time) while enjoying the view of the World Trade Center. When I felt a weird sensation on my leg, I should’ve known that the slow movement wasn’t the cool wind tickling me, but instead was the calculated crawling of a gigantic invasive insect. Next thing I knew, I was swatting my hand around furiously, hoping to rid myself of this forbidden creature. They are literally everywhere. Have you ever looked up at the corners of the UCC towers? I wouldn’t suggest it.

After the constant running around during orientation, things finally settled, and classes started. I began round two of introductions, but this time it was a bit more professional since I was talking to professors. Shake hands, smile, and say your name. Would they remember me? Probably not.

Overall, the first couple of weeks of college were somewhat overwhelming, but I think that all of us are settling into it. Just remember that everyone here is new and looking for people to connect with, so don’t be shy to extend your hand first. No matter how much ice breakers may make you cringe, at least they will give you something to make fun of with the person next to you, and that might lead you to meet a great friend.