Biola University First Year Student Journals

The Ultimate Experience

September 1, 2005 | 7 comments

Lying in my bed, I could hear the shuffling of my family in the house preparing to help me move into my dorm room. My heart was pounding! If anyone had asked me how I was feeling, I would have quoted the movie, The Italian Job, and told them I was "F.I.N.E." (which really meant that I was Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional)! Everything I had known of my life was about to change.

I unwillingly rolled out of my bed and began to prepare for whatever the day would bring. In the back of my mind, I knew everything would be great, but what I experienced that day and the week to follow was beyond my expectations!

From the minute I walked on campus, I received the warmest welcome. As I made my way through the different stations, receiving more papers and information than I could mentally process, I met my first friend and RA (resident assistant), Yali! Before I knew her name, I began to exchange information with her and told her what floor I was on. Instantly, she burst out and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, you're on my floor! Hi, I'm Yali, your RA. Welcome! I'm so excited that you are here!" From that moment on, I felt important and included, which was really essential to me.

Dorm life was an interesting change. Since I never had to share a room before (I have two brothers), I had to adjust to always having someone else in my room. There were also the new community bathrooms, and then there was the task of just trying to make my dorm feel like "home". The first several nights it only felt like one big sleepover!

I also had to begin coming to terms with the fact that I was now on my own. I had to make all the decisions regarding who, what, when, where, and why. Coming from a home where the schedule is planned out for months at a time and every day is packed with activities, I did not have to worry about creating my own schedule. This new experience has been exciting, yet somewhat challenging.

Keeping a balanced lifestyle has also been quite a ride! IÕve had to consistently try to balance schoolwork with socializing, as well as pace myself by not trying to do everything all at once. I must say that, for my temperament, pacing myself has been the most helpful aspect of my college experience thus far.

Despite all the changes, God has blessed me with so many opportunities and friends that I cannot do them justice through writing! He knew all along where I needed to be, opened all the doors financially and even blessed my dorm arrangements. Everything has fallen into place and I'm truly thankful for all He has done through this entire process! Where would I be without Him?!

Journal Entries

• The Ultimate Experience
• Adjusting to College Life
• Thanksgiving Break
• New Year, 2nd Semester Butterflies
• Will You Be My Valentine?
• Lessons Learned and Truths Taught
• Content

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