The entire week leading up to move-in day, I was wracked with fear. I had no idea what to expect from college. I knew no one who was going to the University of Cincinnati as all of my high school friends were going to different universities. The concept of college was completely foreign. I was submerged with fears and was morose at the thought of having to leave my family. That entire week I went to bed with my heart pounding just thinking of what the future had in store for me. Move-in day came along and I made the trip to Turner Hall with my mother. She unfortunately could not stay long because she had to get back in time to pick up my little brother. I was truly alone. This, however, did not continue. Looking back now, I find it amusing how scared I was. Now that my first year has ended, I know what to expect and look forward to going back in my second-year. This 2018-19 school year has been an incredible journey filled with tear and laughter as I have learned and experienced many new and different things, have met friends to last a lifetime, and explored and discovered new passions.
I have always known that I wanted to go into the medical field and coming to UC was a step towards that path. Being a part of the Medical Sciences Program has truly been a blessing. Throughout my first year, I was able to build a community around me that truly supports me and pushes me to be the best me I can possibly be. A huge part of this was my LC. My learning community has become some of my closest friends and are a huge part of making my first year at UC so incredible. I was also able to meet some incredible people through the Turner Scholars Program and I knew that I would not be lacking in support and friendship. Being a pre-med student is an incredibly hard journey and requires determination and perseverance. The MedSci program is filled with great people that understand the difficult path of getting to medical school and eventually becoming a part of the medical profession who know best how to do that.
My first year in college was not the easiest. My first semester I had the pleasure of taking Exploring Health Professions with Dr. Robin Selzer. This class really helped spark an interest in Public Health with me and encouraged me to pick up a certificate in Minority Health. Dr. Selzer taught me about health disparities and how difficult navigating the healthcare system can be. That semester I also took Biology with Dr. Brian Kinkle, Sociology with Dr. Amy Cassedy, and Chemistry with Dr. Daniel Waddell. Learning to balance the schoolwork required for these classes and other extracurriculars was quite difficult. Coming to college, you truly learn the importance of time management and it is now what I tell graduating seniors that they must be prepared to do. Being on my own has taught me to take better care and figure things out for myself. It has made me so grateful for my parents and everything they have done for me. College, for many people, is the first time being independent and it can be difficult to navigate. I have learned, however, that it can be done and that you are not ever truly alone.
All in all, my first year at the University of Cincinnati has been so incredible and I would not change anything about it, tears and all. In the end, I truly believe I tried my best in everything I attempted. The Claire now is so different from the Claire a year ago who was terrified at the prospect of going to college. University is a period of metamorphosis and growth and I look forward to going back and continuing to grow as a person and as a professional.
I have always known that I wanted to go into the medical field and coming to UC was a step towards that path. Being a part of the Medical Sciences Program has truly been a blessing. Throughout my first year, I was able to build a community around me that truly supports me and pushes me to be the best me I can possibly be. A huge part of this was my LC. My learning community has become some of my closest friends and are a huge part of making my first year at UC so incredible. I was also able to meet some incredible people through the Turner Scholars Program and I knew that I would not be lacking in support and friendship. Being a pre-med student is an incredibly hard journey and requires determination and perseverance. The MedSci program is filled with great people that understand the difficult path of getting to medical school and eventually becoming a part of the medical profession who know best how to do that.
My first year in college was not the easiest. My first semester I had the pleasure of taking Exploring Health Professions with Dr. Robin Selzer. This class really helped spark an interest in Public Health with me and encouraged me to pick up a certificate in Minority Health. Dr. Selzer taught me about health disparities and how difficult navigating the healthcare system can be. That semester I also took Biology with Dr. Brian Kinkle, Sociology with Dr. Amy Cassedy, and Chemistry with Dr. Daniel Waddell. Learning to balance the schoolwork required for these classes and other extracurriculars was quite difficult. Coming to college, you truly learn the importance of time management and it is now what I tell graduating seniors that they must be prepared to do. Being on my own has taught me to take better care and figure things out for myself. It has made me so grateful for my parents and everything they have done for me. College, for many people, is the first time being independent and it can be difficult to navigate. I have learned, however, that it can be done and that you are not ever truly alone.
All in all, my first year at the University of Cincinnati has been so incredible and I would not change anything about it, tears and all. In the end, I truly believe I tried my best in everything I attempted. The Claire now is so different from the Claire a year ago who was terrified at the prospect of going to college. University is a period of metamorphosis and growth and I look forward to going back and continuing to grow as a person and as a professional.