Freshman year

My freshman year was the most incredible and funniest experience I’ve ever had, coming from another country I was so scared I would be mistaken in coming to the US for college, I was even more scared of not liking the school I would choose, but I’ve never regretted my decision. Penn State is like home to me now, every aspect of it makes me so happy, and I’m so glad i chose this school to spend the next 4 years. I’ve met so many people that I could never imagine my life without them, they became my family and support system here in the US because all of my loved ones live in Ecuador. Life here is definitely different from what I had to picture before arriving, I thought American teenager movies were a perfect way to describe American school life, but it definitely wasn’t. I’m definitely going to miss my people here so much during summer, I’m even sad because I’m leaving to go home, which before I would be so excited because I missed Ecuador so much, of course, I miss my family, but I also don’t want to be away from my college friends for 3 1/2 months approximately.

This year has taught me a lot, from having to make myself get out there and talk to new people to enjoying my alone time without feeling lonely or with the need of socializing. Also, taking care of myself, for example, when I’m sick going to the doctor alone which is something I would never do before, or cooking for myself when I’m hungry and nothing is open, the little things that made me feel like an independent individual helped me to grow in a way I never did before, because back home I had my family for everything, and I would ask for help whenever.

I’m grateful I have the opportunity to study at Penn state and get a quality education, I’m even more grateful to the universe for putting such nice people in my life here, it would not be the same incredible experience without them.