By: Savannah Halle
To put it bluntly, as the days before leaving for my freshman year of college slowly crept up, I was absolutely horrified. A nearly embarrassing amount so, at least by my own standards, considering I wouldn’t be overly far from home. However, coming from a smaller town and leaving the comfort of being around my friends, and everyone that I’ve known and have loved since I was a child, was not a feeling that felt very appealing at the time. I’ve always hated change, and this was going to be the biggest change I’ve faced yet. As nervous as I was, what I didn’t know was that there would be a lot of love and adventure waiting for me as soon as I walked under the arch of SNC, and through the doors of Bergstrom Hall.
The first weeks in Bergstrom were a blessing. Though a little lonely the first few nights, as I moved in early for the Dance Team, my kind-hearted RA was only a knock away should I ever need anything. She would let me know this right at the beginning, and that (in itself) was a huge comfort. The first night after everyone moved into Bergstrom was one of the best nights I’ve had on campus so far. It was at that moment that I realized everyone was in the same boat as me. We were all scared, but there was something safe and comforting in knowing that this was a ride on the waves that we would do together. Everyone that I met was incredibly kind and welcoming. We played sand volleyball, ate pizza, and had an extended night of puzzles that took far too many people to put together. From then on, as the weeks passed, everyone continued to grow closer. Even if you’re not best friends with everyone, there are plenty of kind smiles and good morning waves to go around. Being in Bergstrom made my college transition far easier, and without it, I would’ve never met one of my favorite people: my roommate!
As for the other things that I am involved in, like the Dance Team and most recently Delta Phi Epsilon, these groups have pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best of ways while supporting me and making me feel welcomed. I was always told that getting involved was a good way to meet new people, but I always thought it was corny advice. Now, truly living it, I know it’s completely true. I have met wonderful people and created some incredibly special bonds in such a short amount of time. Knowing that I would see a friendly face wherever I went on campus, whether it be walking outside or in the library, soothed my anxiety immensely. I wasn’t sure if I was going to dance again after high school, but I’m so glad I stuck to it! I have so much fun at both practice and games. Joining a sorority seemed daunting at first, but I wouldn’t change my decision for anything. Though I’ve just started, I’ve loved every moment, and I can’t wait to make a million more memories!
As much as I fear trying new things, I don’t regret a minute of anything that has happened since coming here. For a girl who was terrified just weeks before, I’ve found my peace here. When it comes down to it, it’s the people and the endless amount of opportunities that I’ve been given to meet everyone here. It’s been only two months, but I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year has in store!
Savannah and other members of the SNC Dance Team!
