I went through my whole senior year without thinking much of how little time I had left in my high school.

I knew that the next year I would be starting college. I didn’t really grasp that concept at that time. The day I realized I was no longer going to be part of my high school was at graduation.

Graduation day finally arrived. That is something that everyone anticipates when they enter the ninth grade. I was sitting in my chair and it finally hit me: I start college in a couple of months.

During graduation, I was thinking of how different life would be after high school. I was both relieved and bummed that high school was over. Glad because I wanted a new start. Bummed because I knew that this was the last day that I was going to see some of my classmates and friends. Everything seemed surreal.

Aug. 25 arrived. The first day of school. I was nervous. Not because I was starting college, but because I didn’t know where my classes were.

For the first couple weeks, I guided myself through campus with the help of the campus map that I downloaded on my phone.

After a couple of weeks, I began to familiarize myself with the campus and felt comfortable with it. I no longer felt lost and misguided. Something that helped me a lot as well was having a friend with me who showed me around campus.

College always appeared to be a scary, nerve-racking experience. It wasn’t. My older friends complained about how difficult it was and how it was hard for them to adapt.

So far, I am enjoying my stay at EC. It’s a decent school with some friendly instructors – well, the only four that I know. I feel comfortable here, although I don’t want to get too comfortable since I want to transfer out as soon as possible.

I have met some pretty cool people here, some who have lots of things in common with me and a lot who do not. Getting to know someone and viewing things from another perspective is what it’s all about.

I am fond of the fact that this school is very diverse. You see many people from various backgrounds. It is something refreshing. Throughout grade school, I always saw the same faces. It was a bit boring.

My first semester of college is soon to be coming to an end. I would say that it has been a good experience. Now, I am conscious of what I need to work and improve on for the next semester. I’m looking forward to spring.