a dash of ash

august 13 2019

Today I moved into my freshman dorm at Nova Southeastern University. The move-in process did not go at all as I expected it to. My family helped me move in, and even though I surely wasn’t acting appreciatively, I’m all too grateful to have had them there to help me and spend time with me. 

After hours and HOURS of unpacking and organizing, I sit writing this on my lofted twin XL bed, comfortable in the little home I have made for myself for the next 10-or-so months. A lot of things have been flying through my mind today and I find it hard to grasp the fact that I’m FINALLY here. The time that felt like it would never come, has finally arrived. Tomorrow, my former high school starts school, while at the same time, I will be participating in one of the many orientation activities planned for my programs this week. 

Although it’s near impossible for me to believe that this next chapter of my life has finally arrived-I am HERE-I know this chapter will come with its own challenges and successes. I look forward to taking on the workload I have put upon myself, as after attending the IAM, I am well aware that I am capable. Unlike starting my first day of freshman year exactly four years ago today, as apprehensive and nervous as I was, I will go into this next chapter with my eyes wide open, ready for what is to come. 

While some people look at me with blatant disbelief when I tell them I’m taking 21 credit hours this semester, I myself know I am capable. I will complete my Bachelors in a matter of three years, while being a part of three programs, all of which are respected and integrated into the campus community. I know it will not be easy, but I know I am capable. I look eagerly to the next week in which I will begin my classes, and can just barely contain my excitement about finally learning, so as to not scare those around me. I’m not certain as to when I began to love learning, but I know it was long ago. Although I cannot pinpoint the exact moment, what I do know is that each teacher and class has pushed me in some way or another. At some times, gaining success out of the experience, and at others, simply gaining the experience that was necessary. And for me, that’s the main reason behind my wanting to go into education. I hope to encourage success, but also to build experience for the future generation. 

Keeping all of the “school stuff” in mind, there’s also another very important aspect to university life that should be discussed: the social life. Although I’ve only been on campus for just over twelve hours, I’ve already connected and reconnected, bonding in such little time. As I hang up photos of my friends from back home and facetime and snapchat videos of my dorm that I am incredibly proud of, I also look forward to building my life down here and creating a support system for those that I will spend the next four years with. 

Though this piece isn’t the lengthiest, I thought it necessary to let everyone know how I feel on this first night of the rest of my life, and realize that eventually I will need to sleep, though I know it will be difficult. Thank you for keeping up with my adventures; I will continue to look forward and let the good times begin. 

xoxo, Ash