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First day in College

Introduction

Students getting out of high school and colleges always talk about their love for their school especially in their last days in the institutions. Being blessed with a natural ruminating tendency does wonders in lubricating the brain gears, which explains why finalists have so much to say about their just-to-be former school. College always presents numerous opportunities for growth and unforgettable lessons beyond the academics. It is an opportunity to learn new phenomena, make new (and valuable) friends, and get lost in the confusion and chaos that do little to create a conducive environment for making friendship. This explains why my first day in Nicholls State University sticks so much in my mind.

The exact date escapes my brain, but it was in mid August, when my adventurous journey in Nicholls State University started. I must admit that I was walking with my head as not many people have the opportunity to pursue their academic journey in this college. However, I was haunted by the question that many people asked me. “Why Nicholls State University of all other colleges?” Of course, I would come up with smart (and grown up) stuff such as, “excellent infrastructure, placement record, ambience etc”. Unfortunately, the question reappeared the day I was joining the institution, something that poured cold water on my hopes pertaining to the institution. I knew there and then that the institution was to be feared.

Having my dad escort I to the college did not make matters better, but I understood how kids feel when starting school anew. The fact that I had left high school quite a number of years ago did not make matters better, as it meant that I would find few friends from my former high school. Fortunately, there were a number of them, albeit in different departments. I got to college in time for the orientation ceremony at the Gandhi Hall, where I joined my soon-to-be friends. It goes without saying that I felt out of place and lonely in one of the most magnificent and complex places on which I have ever set my eyes. The presence of an old friend from high school livened my spirits in a remarkable manner. Unfortunately, the new students were required to sit with their respective departments in which case I had to bid him goodbye, as I settled in with my prospective friends. I could not help noticing that some of them already knew each other and were chattering away making me feel miserable.

The orientation whizzed away with numerous speeches that incorporated messages and anecdotes being made. These lifted my spirits and made everyone feel welcome, cheerful and warm. After the three hours, we were required to go for an orientation tour around the institution so that we could know our way around it. I must admit that keeping my lips tightly zipped was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, as I am a natural born socialite. In essence, I made a friend with one of the new students. It seemed the God was not so cruel as I had earlier thought. Unfortunately, my happiness was cut short as we were grouped in alphabetical order according to the first letter of our names. The first letter of my name differed from hers in which case we had to separate amidst a grudging goodbye. I, therefore, chose to concentrate on admiring the place.

This campus was simply astounding. I naturally blended into the group, as all of us were left speechless by almost every architectural contortion by which we came, including the enormous library, the workshop, administration block and the stadium. On a number of instances, we bumped onto other groups making the tour and, luckily, found other friends from my former high school. It goes without saying that the day was improving with time. This was confirmed when lunch time came. The cooks must have prepared the food with kings in mind, which made me repent for having thought of how cruel God is for sending me to the college.

The orientation resumed after the heavy lunch, but I found it hard to drag my feet up the stairs to the class. However, I found solace in chatting away with my new found friends who were not only my future classmates but also bus-mates. The tour to the lecture halls and seating arrangements took several minutes, thanks to the mumbling and grumbling that we excitedly made. This ultimately gave way to the afternoon snack, which was simply lip-smacking. The highlight of the day was the ride back home when I boarded the school bus. As a newbie, I was not privy to the art of sleeping in the bus. I was animatedly chatting with my new-found friend when she burst out laughing. This attracted the attention of one of the teachers who called us to the front seats. This was extremely embarrassing to us, but I bet it is going to make one of the things about which we will always laugh. The first day in college was characterized by embarrassment, ebullience, and a dose of stupidity, but I settled in, thanks to fate, God, and my ever cooperative schoolmates.