Only time will tell

I, like many other students nationwide, have embarked on this amazing journey known to most folks as college. Yes, I am an official freshman on the beautiful campus of Chapman University, soaking up warm Southern California rays, and realizing that it is completely and utterly overwhelming. Not only am I living on my own, in a tiny dorm room barely big enough for my two roommates and me, but having to "start over" and form a new identity, in a sense, is a little unnerving. I, for one, tend to have a hard time adjusting to a new surrounding, and this is definitely a new everything.

Everywhere I seem to look, other freshmen appear to have this whole college transition under wraps, and I feel like I'm floundering. Whether they are meeting new people, eating in the cafeteria, or doing their laundry, it just seems like it's easier for them. I know that I'm jumping to extreme conclusions about this, but I cannot seem to help it. This experience is so confusing and it has just begun.

We have yet to have any sort of campus events, such as club fairs or Greek events, which will help meet new students and assist in keeping my fears at bay. Once I get into the swing of college life everything should even itself out; all I need is time. The first couple of weeks on campus can be a challenge for anyone, whether freshman or not, and I believe that only time will tell on my college experience.

Sabreena Rodriguez is in her first year as a HELM Leadership Fellow and is a member of First Christian Church in Orange and University Christian Church in San Diego, California.