Today (October 4, 2020) officially marks one month since I "left the nest" and "flew" out into the world from beneath my parents wings.
For the past few weeks, I've been joking about how moving away for school was the serotonin boost I needed. Of course, that's all it was, a joke, but in a way, I've realized that there was a lot of truth to that statement. It's not that my life wasn't interesting prior to the beginning of post-secondary, but I think I can speak for many of us when I say that after 5 months in the house, I was in desperate need of some change.
"Graduating" during a pandemic was definitely an interesting experience, to say the least. Starting university during a pandemic on the other hand- let's just say I might need a few synonyms for "interesting" to describe that one. In general, the past month has been very eventful. I've had so much support in this transition which I am extremely grateful for, and the love has been overwhelming in all the right ways. Keeping in touch with my loved ones at home has been a great way to keep me connected to that part of my life. Since I got here, everyone seems to be wondering the same thing: "How is everything going so far?" So, instead of repeating myself over and over again; consider this as my way of letting everyone know at once.
I decided to talk about my experiences so far in 4 main areas; classes, time management, lifestyle, and an overall change of environment.
Classes
This is probably my favourite thing about university. Finally being able to take courses in subjects that I thoroughly enjoy and care about is GREAT. One of the many things I couldn't stand about high school was having to take courses that I had no interest in because my motivation to participate in the course was always the first thing to go. I used to sit in some classes watching the clock, wondering "when am I ever going to use this?" and thinking "I really don't care about this". I feel like I'm finally getting a say in studying the subject I'm passionate about and honestly, I LOVE it here.
Time Management
Time management is something that I've always had an interesting relationship with. We aren't exactly the best of friends. I've always been such a go-with-the-flow type of person which got me through four years of high school, but in university? That can't fly here. I simply used to do work when I had time to/felt like doing work. So you can imagine what it's like having to schedule my time to the minute now. I never consciously had to set aside time for work, self care, and of course calling home. Shoutout to my dad for encouraging me to buy a planner (and actually use it) because my days have a lot more structure now. It's still a bit hard to get used to but I'm trying my best every day.
Lifestyle
Campus life has been pretty great so far. Being able to walk down the hall and meet up with friends is a dream come true. Living with someone else is very new to me but my roommate manages to make that experience pleasant. Access to a wide variety of study spaces has been pretty sweet too. I love being able to leave my room and work in a different environment. However, balancing school with my personal passions like playing my violin, writing poetry, and of course maintaining this website has been a bit hard.
Change of Environment
People always say that you should get out of the city that you grew up in and I totally agree. I really couldn't see myself staying in the same place for so long. Adventuring around the city over here has been fun. Don't get me wrong, I miss my bed, being able to drive down the road to see my friends, and my mom's spaghetti; but I'm really happy to be taking a step out into the world.
From the time I decided I wanted to leave home, to the time I waved goodbye to my family as they drove out of the parking lot of my "new home", I knew that I was ready to start this part of my life. I've always heard that going away for school can be a bit lonely, but I knew I wasnt going away by myself. I knew I was going with a community behind me. I feel like Keke Palmer during the montage scene in "Akeelah and the Bee" where the entire community was helping her memorize words. Dramatic, I know, but in short, I knew that no matter where I went I'd never have to worry. After all, feelings of loneliness are very normal. The world we live in can feel a bit lonely sometimes but knowing that I have a support system is one of the many things that keeps me going.
I believe a few shoutouts are in order because I definitely couldn't have made it here on my own. To my mom and dad, thank you for supporting my decision to pursue my passions. Even though I know it was a bit hard to have your youngest child leave, I'm thankful that you're coping with the change so I can do what I love. You've taught me everything I need to know and I use it every day.
To my brothers, for the thousandth time, yes, I am okay! Thank you for always making sure. I knew I loved you guys tons but I didn't realize I would miss you so much! Stay out of my room and stop using my hair products!
To my godparents, aunts, uncles and everyone who watched me grow up, thank you for always believing in me, being a listening ear and reminding me that I can do anything I put my mind to and you'll always be there.
To my friends from home, I'm so proud of all of you. Going our separate ways was hard but if it means that we're all pursuing what we love, I wouldn't have it any other way.
And to the new people I've met so far who haven't allowed me to go a single day without laughing since I got here, I wish all of you the best during this journey. I'm excited to see what we all accomplish in this first year and the few to come.
I promise that no check-in text, phone call, facetime, snapchat, "thinking of you" or prayer goes unnoticed (even though I'm not always the best at answering my phone, I'm working on it).
And finally, to everyone pursuing a higher education, or any form of education for that matter during these unprecedented times, find what works for you and hang in there. It's far from easy to study during a pandemic but we've got this. Here's to a new school, a new experience, new blessings, and of course, a new chapter in this book of mine that I like to call "life".
Peace, love and gratitude always,
Kim
Please enjoy some pictures I've taken since being here!
Комментарии