Freshman Orientation

Hey guys!

I am very very very sorry for not having posted in such a long time! Things have just been pretty  busy, and I haven’t been able to find the time. I have been swamped with my online civics and english class, therapy, and school. Not going to lie, it has been very stressful, but I am trying to get through it…so I can graduate, and go to my dream school in August- High Point University!

So I just got back from a one and a half day orientation for the college I am attending in the fall. I fell in love with this college the first time I laid my eyes on it. It is a gorgeous campus, with all sorts of things ranging from fountains, to pools and hot tubs, to classical music that is played around campus. So yesterday, my mom and I made the 1 hour trip up to the school, for the orientation. I was really nervous, because I didn't really know anyone that was going to be there,   and I get a lot of anxiety with many people and loud noises, which both were present throughout my visit there. I guess a lot of the anxiety started when I was in a residential facility, and there were many loud outbursts with a lot of chaos. I managed to get through that obstacle, by using some skills. Taking deep breaths, and stepping away from the crowd for even just a minute, can really help calm the nerves of everything. I like to imagine myself in a place where I feel very happy at, which is at a cabin in California.

The two days (Friday and today) consisted of the following activities:

Friday:

12:30-1:30- check in and passport photo

1:45-2:25- orientation to your major (my major is psychology)

2:35-3:15- student service fair

3:30-4:45- welcome and introduction to the HPU education

5-5:55- small group activities (icebreakers)

6-6:55- dinner

7-8: connecting with my class (more icebreakers…yay)

Saturday:

8-9:30- breakfast

9-10:20- group meeting with success coaches

10:30-11:50- Student 101: preparing for your success in college

There were some optional activities afterwards, including things like campus tours.

After the orientation, I stuck around campus for about an hour to hang out with a friend who is currently attending High Point. She has helped me immensely in the past few months, as she understands a lot of what I have been through. I can’t thank her enough for all that she has done for me. Overall, the orientation was pretty fun, but it was also a little overwhelming. I met so many people, I got to know a lot more about the campus and student life, I found out where I will be living, and I found out my schedule for the fall. I am very excited, and as I look back on the past year, I would have never thought that I would be going to college or frankly, even being here in general. It has been a long and tough journey, but I have been given some amazing opportunities because of it. I am currently writing a memoir, which will be published sometime in May, which is really exciting and something I am proud of!

I hope you have a great rest of your weekend, and I will hopefully post again soon!

Stay strong!