We’ve Been to the Mountaintop

 

I can see the mountains from campus. I can go essentially any direction and find a park to go to where I can either drive up or hike to the top of a mountain. That’s one of the reasons I chose ETSU, was because of its natural beauty and opportunities. But that opens up to a bigger question, why do people choose the college they go to?

I think there’s no certain one thing that just makes a person choose that university. I think it’s a combination of past exposure to the campus/campus life, the amount of research and time they’ve put into finding information about the school, if they’ve actually got a tour of campus, if anyone they know is going there, if their major/minor is offered, what accommodations they can offer based on your abilities, scholarships amounts, athletics, condition of campus, tuition costs, and the list goes on. To assume that each student chose their institution solely on the fact they “liked” it is lazy. And despite it seeming relevant, only about 17.9% of students surveyed in 2016 took the college’s national ranking into account when choosing where to go, according to the Cooperative Institutional Research Program. (The link has some pretty interesting results attached if you’re into that kind of thing.)

To those out there on the search, keep looking. Don’t choose what is the easiest, or don’t choose what your friend is choosing just for the heck of it, get a better understanding of what each place has in store and make it right for you. Learn about the city its in and what opportunities it might present for you, and how you could see yourself getting involved in that community. If you’re going to be spending four or more years at this institution, it is essential to know it’s what you like the most. There will be factors that restrict where you can and can’t go, but for where you can, be smart. Keep an open mind. You might have grown up in a UTK alumni family, but that shouldn’t mean that’s your only schooling option. And don’t forget there’s a world outside your city, and even your state, that offers educational opportunities. Some states surrounding your own state might offer in-state tuition for you, even if you don’t live there. (I know, it sounds confusing.)

Puppy Love

Every student who passes by me on campus with a dog reminds me of how much I miss my own dog back home. Pets aren’t allowed in dorms (with the exception of a fish), so even if I did want to keep my dog here with me, it wouldn’t be happening this year as I live in a residence hall.

Just like missing a friend or family member, I think missing a pet hurts the heart just as much. Especially when this is pet is one you’ve had for most of your life, it psychologically impacts your daily routine not having your pet around. My dog particularly loves to bark and beg for food; whenever I am eating alone it always feels too quiet because there’s no distractions and no puppy giving me those black, sad eyes, just asking for me to give him food. 

The missing makes it that much more special when I get to see him again. As soon as I walk through the doors, he is always bursting with excitement, scratching at the door to see me again. Honestly, as much as I’d like to, I don’t think I could ever bring him up here with me, though. First of all, I would be robbing the rest of my family of having him with them. Next, if I can barely keep up with my own expenses as a college student, how could I be expected to pay for a dog’s care as well? Dogs are cute and all, but it really does add up over time.

So if you’re experiencing an absence of puppy love in your life, or maybe kitty love, just remember next time you see a dog, ask the owner if you can pet it. Carry on a conversation with them about how you have a pet back home and how you miss it. Also, during finals week, the library has a therapy dog day! Let me tell you, that is my favorite day at ETSU so far. The library is FILLED with dogs. You won’t want to miss it! You can get your fix of puppy kisses then.

Walking On Sunshine (And Everywhere Else)

The Troubles of No Car in College

I don’t have to worry about parking, but the walk to Cookout can feel like a long one when I have spent all day trudging around campus. Unlike most students, I don’t have a car here on campus. Any car I could use is at least four and a half hours away from me. This is because I have three other siblings back home, with only two cars to use between the four of us. Obviously, it just didn’t make sense for me to use one of them. Which you’re probably wondering, how do I get to and from Johnson City to go back home? Well, thankfully I have friends up here from the same place where I live. We carpool and it’s a great time all around.

But, it has some disadvantages. Like I wanted to go to the ETSU men’s basketball game at Freedom Hall, and you could not pay me enough to walk there. I’d pass out. So, there was a shuttle you could take to get there. Sounds good, right? It sounds great until that same shuttle leaves you at the venue after the game, shivering in the cold for thirty minutes until someone can give up their time to come pick you up. I mean we live in a time where Ubers and Lyfts are easily accessible, but the whole thought of a stranger picking me up scares me. I’ve heard too many horror stories. All of the off-campus events are usually out of the question for me unless I can convince one of my friends to go with me.

At least in a “college town”, there is a lot of stuff within walking distance. ETSU also has a bridge to the other side of the road for the less risky people like me who don’t want to cross a billion lanes of traffic just to get lunch. I prefer to not fear for my life, but especially not when I am hungry. Just across the street, there is Pal’s, Wendy’s, Cookout, McDonald’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Barberitos, and Bojangles. (There’s more depending on how ambitious you are.) This is especially nice when you get tired of eating Marketplace food. No shade though, they’re doing their best. There’s also grocery stores and, a longer walk it might be, but you could walk to downtown Jonhson City.

The concept of walking everywhere is just so foreign to me because my house where I grew up is near nothing. The closest destination was a Bojangles, but we’d only walk there if we had to. I kind of dig it though. As a freshman, I mean you gotta avoid that “freshman fifteen” somehow, right?

Taylor Swift said it best:

The Little Moments on a College Campus

Always an Eye Out for the Extraordinary

Everywhere you look on a college campus, it is likely you will find something eccentric, interesting, or cheerful. Just today I was walking to this class and I saw a guy leaned against the ROTC building strumming a banjo. This college in particular, there’s such a diverse group of interests, hobbies, and attitudes, it definitely makes for an interesting atmosphere. Gamers camp out in the Cave playing games such Super Smash Bros., a capella groups spontaneously perform in front of the bookstore. It periodically improves my mood just watching other people go about their day on campus.

That sets college apart from high school. Individuality is accepted and encouraged, rather than shunned or frowned upon. Although I am still trying to gauge who I am as a person, it is at least okay for me to wear and do what I want.  I’ve always been a firm believer in the little things make a difference. Although throughout my life, there have always been those “little things” that people do or say that put a smile on my face, I think here I seek out those moments more than I ever have.

For example, I was eating food in the Marketplace yesterday, and I saw a Sodexo worker guiding a visually impaired student outside by using their arm. Once outside, she helped her get situated and came back inside to put together a plate of food for her. She had written down what the student wanted, and made the effort to make sure she got it. To me, this spoke volumes. This exemplifies another level of excellence and kindness that I was unaware ETSU offered. I would have never noticed this if I didn’t sit in a different spot than I normally do in the Marketplace.

And you’ll see skateboarders, scooters, rollerbladers, bikers, walkers, runners, and essentially anything else you can think of. I just think it’s incredible to see people doing what people do best: existing. If you’re a high school student or someone not yet in college, there’s at least that to look forward to. Look for the good in the little things you see around you, and I promise it’ll open your eyes in ways you don’t expect. Look past the horrific headlines. There is still hope.

“In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” – Anne Frank

Podcast

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Concertless Johnson City

Small Venue, Small Problem

Growing up 20 minutes from Nashville offered endless opportunities for me to go see my favorite artists and essentially anyone else, because every tour you could ever imagine would, of course, make a stop in the Music City. Coming here I have had to come to terms with the fact that rarely do any artists ever enter this part of the state. You could drive to North Carolina or Virginia on the occasion, but still nothing quite as close as what I had living near Nashville.

I’ve had to sacrifice a few lectures so I could drive back home for a concert in Nashville the same day. That’s almost a five-hour drive. And I’ve only done it a couple times, but a friend of mine missed almost three days one week to attend back-to-back concerts in downtown Nashville.

Again, this was a luxury I took for granted.

Johnson City does host concerts, but I have very little exposure to them for numerous reasons. One of these reasons would be the genre of music in the region. I grew up listening to “country” music, but I am not sure you can even call country music these days country. It’s more of a guitar-ish pop ballad. Am I complaining? No. But, around here I get a more bluegrass/folk vibe just based on what I’ve seen on campus and in the newspapers I’ve read. I do have an appreciation for that kind of music, yet it’s just different from what I’m used to.

Another reason is the lesser known venues. I know about Freedom Hall because that’s where I saw the All-American Rejects concert. ETSU hosts a fall and spring concert event for students, offering free tickets for the particular artist. I had never heard of Freedom Hall until that concert, and surprisingly it is on the same property as Science Hill High School. Imagine your largest venue being next to a high school. (To my surprise though, artists such as Elton John, Charlie Puth, and Fall Out Boy have all performed there.) Smaller groups also seem to have a good turnout at locations such as The Willowtree Coffeehouse & Music Room. The other night we were going to go there to eat and the seating area was closed so they could set up for the gig that night– and there 15$ charge at the door to get in to watch.

So, it’s been an adjustment. I haven’t had to completely let go of seeing my concerts at Bridgestone Arena, but when it falls in the middle of the week during the middle of a semester, it sure does break my heart. It would be neat to in the future see more guests start to recognize Johnson City as an amazing place to perform, even if the venue might be smaller.

Textbooks? More Like Debt-books.

How To Pay Less for What You Need

The hype surrounding college textbooks is justified. Each semester for each student can vary on what price they have to pay, but in general, there is nothing pretty about the prices on these texts. Luckily, there are some loopholes that will suffice until these textbook companies realize how ridiculous their standards are.

1. Buy them then sell them back to the bookstore or online. If you’re like me, you’re a college student, but you don’t have a credit card. The ETSU bookstore only allows students to rent books if they have a valid credit card to use, so here’s the alternative; buy it for full price, then sell it back to the bookstore. Just be sure to take good care of it while you have it.
2. Rent them. If you don’t plan on using any of these books after the course, why not rent them? You’ll need to keep them in fair condition and try not to write or draw all over them.
3. Buy a used copy. As long as you aren’t bothered by a little highlighting or handwriting from a past owner, this is the route I always go, if possible. Some classes might require you to buy them new due to access codes or bundles, but in most cases, this will be one of your cheaper options.
4. Ask a friend if they’ve had the same class. A friend might have the textbook already and let you use it. Save that $$$ when you can.
5. Ask your professor before anything else if you even need the textbook. It might be in the syllabus, but it is not always required material. Be sure to listen the first few weeks to get a feel for if the textbook is necessary or not.
6. Check Amazon or other online resources for lower prices. If there are no copies of your book at the bookstore, or you’re in a time crunch, check Amazon or other book websites. You might find cheaper copies and be able to receive it quicker than waiting for the store to get them in stock.

I hope these ideas help! I’ve been here almost two full semesters and I am still trying to figure it out, so don’t feel bad if you are lost or confused about where to go to get the best deal on books. It all comes with patience and time.

I’m Not Getting Any Younger

Finding Alternatives To Youth Group Activities

Once I reached 18+, the youth group I once called my second home now became a place where I no longer felt included. This wasn’t because of the people, but because now I was too old to be considered a “youth”. Most of the events, as they should be, were only meant for their age group. This has been a difficult transition since only months ago I was an active member of the group.

Of course, I am still welcomed there, but it’s not the same as being a youth. I’ve outgrown mission trips and retreats, being forced to live vicariously thought Snapchats and Instagram posts. So how have I coped with this separation?

Mainly my alternative has been through the Wesley Foundation. Coming from a Methodist church back home, a lot of the practices and preachings follow a similar algorithm to what I am used to. I’ve already gone on one retreat with them and I am hoping to go on a mission trip to New York with them this summer. They meet twice a week, with some extra outings here and there, filling in the gaps of time like my home youth group did while I was in middle and high school. 

I still attend my home church, Hermitage United Methodist Church, when I am in town on the weekends or breaks, but it is important to me to get involved in other religious on campus in order to continue to experience growth. Although nothing may compare to the connection I had with HUMC’s youth, it has been necessary to put myself out there and try new churches and organization to find a place where I can feel comfortable in my faith while in Johnson City. Your faith shouldn’t have to falter or be put on hold because of college. Actually, it should grow, while you’re in college.

The Past Doesn’t Always Work in the Present

Carrying On High School Hobbies In College

It just isn’t the same. For some, the transition can be easy. For example, my friend did color guard all throughout high school, and her current college has a strong band and guard program. It was a seamless flow from the high school to college level for her, at least from what I can tell.

Me, on the other hand, haven’t had a similar experience. Throughout middle and high school, I loved being involved in choir. I was in choir for over six years, and it was always my favorite period of the day. Yet, so far in my college experience, I haven’t even had a choir class. This was more of a personal choice than an academic choice. I made this decision, because I knew that my time in choir at a college level would vary from the memories I had in high school.

This might just be me being stubborn. I hate change. If I was to pursue choir again, I think that I would hold these strangers to the unrealistic expectation that they should make my experience the same or similar to the memories I made in high school. Because that’s what made me happy, right? 

One purpose of going to a college is to start with a clean slate. I think coming into it with an open mind, you might be surprised the results you’ll find. But as of now, I am reluctant to let go of old experiences and mindsets. And sometimes, you realize that what you did in high school isn’t exactly what you’re into anymore. That’s okay, too. Start fresh and get into new hobbies, clubs, etc. There is so much out there waiting for you to try!

Missing The Home Team

From Watching Live to Dorm Room Live-Tweets

I grew up a Titans first, then later found my love for hockey. My dad had season tickets for football first, and every Sunday the Tennessee Titans played at home, it was an event for whichever sibling got to go. It was a chance to eat out, have fun, and spend time with dad while everyone else did something less exciting. Once the Titans reached a slump where their performance started to not be as good, he transitioned to being a part-time season ticket holder for the Predators. My grandmother has been a full-time season ticket holder from the start, so I had been to a few games here and there with her before my dad was on board with it.

I don’t think I truly started to get into hockey until about my freshmen year of high school. I always found the game exciting, but I never could quite grasp what everything meant. My dad became a full-time season ticket holder, meaning we all got to go to more games. And if you know anything about hockey, they play a lot more games than football teams do. So sometimes, there would be up to three home games a week. Our siblings would split up who went when, depending on homework and other mandatory events. I really took for granted how fortunate I was to be able to attend these games in person.

Flash forward to now, I have only got to go to two or three games this season. Which I am not complaining because even then I am extremely blessed to even get the opportunity to attend, it’s just wild in comparison to what it was like just last year. I don’t even have a TV in my dorm to be able to watch the games. Most of the information I get about the games is from live Twitter updates from their official Twitter account.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that don’t take what you have while you’re at home for granted. In addition, your support for a team is not determined by how many games you can attend, or even how in-depth you keep up with them, it’s just about what they mean to you and why. Nashville sports have been a safe haven and a place of fond memories for my family for my whole life, and my heart will always be there. I will always miss that atmosphere when I am away. But I hope, maybe, I can find something like that on campus. I’ve been to a few football games and a basketball game; it just takes time to learn the names, learn the chants, and feel comfortable. With the season the boy’s basketball team is having at ETSU, who wouldn’t want to #BacktheBucs anyway?

 

 

Weathering the Storm

Rain, Snow or Shine: It’s Classtime

Braving the elements to get to class was never something I had to endure in high school. It was just a swift movement from the car to the front doors, and I was good for the rest of the day unless I had to wait outside for my ride to get there in the rain or something.

Every morning seems to be a guessing game. Normally, I try to check the weather the night before, but not always. there have been times where I have walked outside just for it to be 15 degrees colder than I expected… and I have no jacket on me. Or I don’t have an umbrella and in the middle of the day, it starts pouring. Too many times now I have stepped in puddles just for my thin shoes to become soaked to the point the water reaches my sock. (Not a pleasant feeling.) Here are some tips on how you can brave the unpredictable weather, especially here in Tennessee, while having to trek around campus.

1. Invest in durable, supportive walking shoes. This isn’t necessarily weather-related, but you will need supportive shoes. Although it’s not guaranteed you will be doing a lot of walking, I know I did my first semester and still do. Some alternatives to walking include scooters, bikes, skateboards, and on-campus busses.
2. Get some snow boots. We haven’t received a lot of snow this school year, but the times I have used them, they have been so helpful. This might seem inapplicable based on your geographic location, but bear with me; get some anyway.
3. An umbrella is essential. I don’t keep my umbrella with me at all times, but it has been nice to have when I knew there was rain in the forecast. You’d be surprised how many students just walk into the elements hoping for the best. 
4. Wear a jacket with a hood on it. When the wind is brutal, you’ll thank me for saying that.The list could go on, but these are the ones I have found to be the most important through what weather I’ve walked through the past semester and a half. If you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comments below! I’d love to hear from other students who have more first-hand experience than I do.

Is Independence a Blessing or a Curse?

Freedom, At What Cost?

Most kids start to look forward to college because it means freedom from the rules of the house they live under or their current school.

There are fewer restrictions on your sleep and eating schedules, if you do your homework, or even if you go to class. Sounds like the dream, right? It depends on how you look at it.

Personally, it was a harder adjustment to make than expected. I’ve lived my whole life with parents or siblings to keep me on track or set the standards by which I live by. Although I have always been someone who loved to sleep in, my parents never let me sleep in past 9:30 a.m. Now, most days I do not even wake up for class until 9:30 at the earliest. And the weekends? It could be anywhere from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. I can also stay up later since I won’t be bothering anyone else in my house. The consequences of these occurrences are I don’t operate on a consistent schedule, which is unhealthy for my body. I won’t go into detail, I am no doctor after all, but you can read about it here.

As for eating, I eat more frequently, yet in smaller doses. I mainly rely on the campus cafeteria for my main meals, but even then I might be too lazy to leave my dorm and will just skip a dinner or two. I order Jimmy John’s frequently, which is not something I did when I was at home. The times I eat vary depending on what my class schedule is that day; sometimes I can’t eat lunch until around 2:00 p.m. When I do get time, it’s not always a lot– that’s the one thing high school did prepare me for. We always had to eat our lunch in under 15 minutes so the next lunch period could come in. I find myself snacking a lot and other times starving as I go to sleep.

I think the negative effects of my freedoms as a college student come with a lack of experience and motivation. I definitely could do better and work harder to improve my habits. I should do better. Yet, I know that due to my upbringing, this is only a first exposure to living independently and it takes time to develop the lifestyle you would like to live. That’s no excuse, but it’s a factor. If you’re struggling to find that balance, regardless of your age, just know you’re not alone.

Choosing Your Snapchat Over Lecture

Social Media’s Impact on the Classroom

College and high school are the same in the sense that some teachers are more strict about enforcing cell phone usage in class, while others could care less. My first semester, my professors were pretty lenient on how often we had our cell phones out in class, but now, most of them will call you out even if you glance at it. The stark difference between these two educational systems is that high school’s rules are typically enforced at a county-level or higher, whereas colleges can operate on their own terms and leave some things up to the discretion of the professor.

In college, anyway, you’re paying to be there. You are in total control of whether or not you go to class. If you do go, you are also in control of whether or not you pay attention. It’s just as easy to fall into a social media spiral and end up missing half a lecture. As someone who often succumbs to this temptation, I can say the end the long run, paying attention in class will benefit you more than scrolling through a social media feed ever could.

Even in classes where you’re allowed to be on your phone, flip it over, and try to pay attention as much as possible. Occasionally checking the time I understand. One hour can feel like one hundred, and on a tight schedule you have to be ready to get out of there to move on to your next class, but don’t be obnoxious about it.

It’s also a respect thing. The professor in front of you has worked diligently to prepare the content in front of you purposefully, it is probably worth knowing if they are telling you about it. When an individual is carrying on a conversation with you, one person of the party being on their phone might make the discussion feel one-sided. Eye contact is important and underappreciated in this day and age.

I use my phone a lot, and as a society it is nearly impossible to function without it in our grasp, but that doesn’t mean we let technology rule our lives. Regardless of what your past exposure to educational technology usage, positive or negative, I would recommend in college putting away the phone. There will always be special circumstances or emergencies, but overall it’ll be better for you. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s so much easier to recall something during an exam when you remember hearing it in a lecture and writing it down. A few can do both at the same time, but even then your brain is multitasking and therefore devoting less time to storing the more important information. We’re all just out here trying to get a college degree. I promise your unopened Snapchats can wait.

Breaking The Dress Code Habit

Wearing What I Want, When I Want

When you think of dress code, what do you think of? Well, it’ll probably depend on what your schooling background is. It could mean uniforms, tucked in shirts and belts, solid colored shirts with no logos, or anything in between. In my school district, the dress code used to be a whole lot more strict at the elementary level. As the years progressed, it slowly started to become less significant and almost nonexistent, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t impact me later on in life.

In college, there is no “dress code”. You will see people walking around in pajamas, three-piece suits, workout clothes, shorts, leggings, or hoodies in any temperature. This took some time to adjust to based on my previous educational experiences.

Less Peer-Pressured Fashion Choices

Not only is there no dress code, but unlike high school, I feel less pressure to dress a certain way. When I was surrounded by people I had grown up with, I was afraid of what people might say behind my back if I showed up wearing a non-matching shirt and pair of jeans. Would they stare? Would they laugh? And if I showed up wearing a tight-fitting shirt when that is all I had clean, would they avoid eye contact? I wouldn’t ever dare wear the same outfit twice, either.

That’s the joy of college, though. You normally only cross paths with the same people in your classes every other day. I could wear the same outfit on Monday and Thursday and no one would know because they didn’t see me on Monday. Even if they did, I believe there is a general consensus at this educational level that we’re all just here to get a degree, so there’s less drama or attention attached to appearance. We also aren’t as close-knit of a community. A college campus, specifically this one, is vastly larger than my high school. If one person even took time out of their day to be concerned with my outfit as they passed by, I might never cross paths with them on campus ever again.

Celebrating Individualism

College campuses are also a melting pot of varying cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. In a subtle way (or sometimes in a not-so-subtle way) these traits are represented and appreciated through fashion choices. I think this embodies just how vast the amount of representation of all kinds of people can be found even in places such as Johnson City.

Here, it’s acceptable for me to wear the same outfits, throw on a hat, represent what brands and ideas I support, and in general just not have to assemble myself in a way that only makes other people happy, not myself. First and foremost is your comfort, and that’s what will help you succeed. I am so thankful for that.

Keeping On Track for the Forgetful

Headlines, Deadlines, All Different Times

College is more self-reliant than any other working environment I’ve been in. I grew up in a family of three other siblings whom all went to the same school as I did, and occasionally we even had classes together. I always knew I could count on them if I left my textbook in my locker, forgot to do my homework, or needed help studying for a test.

Now, it is all on me. There is no mom or dad to nag you about projects or five different friends to remind you to do that one assignment for the same class you always have. So how do you keep track of important assignments and make sure all your ducks are in a row? Here are some of the best methods I have found so far.

1. Set up email reminders on D2L. My school email is synced to my phone, so every time something arrives in my inbox, I get a notification. If you go under “notifications” on D2L, you should see some options for what you want to receive instant notifications for. There is also an option to do the same for texts, but I find email more beneficial. This is especially useful when it comes to dropbox assignments and upcoming end dates for tests or quizzes.
2. Get a planner. ETSU gave me a planner as a freshman and it has served as a great tool to check whenever I need a tangible reminder of everything coming up. Planners can be purchased at most stores that sell things; they range from simple to extraordinary, in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
3. Print off all of your syllabuses. Teachers will lay the foundation of their courses with specific dates and descriptions in their syllabus. Take these to heart, and don’t be afraid to highlight, annotate, and look over frequently. I review the contents of certain ones almost daily just to verify I am on track. If you can’t afford to print it off, at least it is always available online to look at. Don’t take that for granted. 
4. Take notes on important assignments during lectures. Professors will typically mention projects, assignments, and homework in class at the beginning or end of a lecture. I always include the date at the top of my notes, so by writing down when something is due in your notes (I’d recommend in the margins or somewhere noticeable, maybe even a different pen color), you are more likely to remember it when looking over your notes for other reasons.

Write, Complete, Repeat

Don’t feel confined to these specific methods or just one. Repetition is key, and writing it down or viewing it more than once will make it more likely you’ll remember to complete these tasks. Crossing out homework assignments in your planner or deleting that email once you’re done with it also offers a sense of satisfaction that nothing else does.

Forgetting something here and there happens, but it shouldn’t become a habit. I’m better than that. You’re better than that.

No Major Yet? No Problem.

Undecided Does Not Mean Unworthy

Going to college with a major in mind is helpful, but not necessary. The world pressures you from a young age to start to make decisions about your career and “what you want to be when you grow up”, but we all don’t have it figured out right away. Some know from the start, some think they know and end up changing it later on; whatever your current status us, just know it is going to be okay.

Finding The Right One

There is no magical formula that will lead you down the path to success or happiness when it comes to a college major, but I can offer some tips for you in hopes it can make a difference.

1. Don’t do whatever major your friend or significant other is doing just to have classes with them. It sounds trivial, but it happens. Although in college you can build your own schedule, classes fill up quickly and even then there’s no guarantee you will get the chance to work with them.
2. Do what you want, not what someone else wants for you. Horror stories are heard all the time about individuals having to endure years of medical classes in their undergraduate and graduate, only doing so at their parent’s wishes. They have no desire to pursue that path. Confrontation about the issue at hand can be scary, and sometimes impossible, but if you can have that conversation, it will be better for you in the long run.
3. Think about what you’ve loved up to this point. Did you love math classes in high school? Hate science? Are you a good public speaker? Do you enjoy technology? If you’re an incoming freshman, explore the college of your choice’s website and check out what majors and minors they have to offer relating to something you enjoy. Already enrolled college students, a majority of campuses offer advisement resources that would be more than willing to help you decide on a major. Again, nothing has to be set in stone.
4. Test the waters. Take a class for that major, even if it’s just an introductory one. The earlier you start to evaluate your options, the less time you will have to lose if you decide to change your major. If you seem to enjoy the courses, keep pursuing it. Even if you don’t enjoy them, consider if your opinion was justified.
5. Consult someone with the major you’re interested in. One of the most encouraging (or discouraging) experiences can be having a conversation with someone who graduated with a major you might want to have. The amount of wisdom you can gain on its practical uses in the workforce, how much people with that major can make, how much schooling is required, etc. really provides a visual to goals of your future.
6. When nothing works, keep trying. Not every person finds a perfect match on their first try, or maybe not even on their third. It can be frustrating and feel like a waste, but just know you are good at something and you will find something and it will just click.

Coming to terms with growing up and defining your future can be scary, and it is, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Walking in as a freshman or a sophomore still unsure of your major is completely normal. According to the PennState Division of Undergraduate Studies, “An estimated 20 to 50 percent of students enter college as ‘undecided'”. You are not alone, and you don’t have to have it all together. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Nobody told me that in high school, so that’s why I am telling you.

The Random Roommate

A Not-So-Horrible Story

Instagram will tell you that having a roommate has to be glamorous, fun, and exciting. You have to be best friends who tell each other everything, or else what’s the point? Yet, for those of not fortunate enough to have a friend from home to room with, fear starts to creep in.

The application process for housing and residence life can be long and rigorous for freshman. Among numerous applicants, the department works long and hard to guarantee each individual is given one of the housing options they have applied for. As for myself, I basically dug myself a hole. I applied late into the summer before my freshman year and by that point, most students already had their rooms and roommates confirmed. I was stressed. I ended up getting a room in West Hall but was still left with no roommate. ETSU has a site where you can try to search for another roommate by matching interests, but everyone I messaged said they were already settled. It wasn’t until the middle of August, a couple weeks before move-in day, I learned the name of my roommate. My mind ran through every possible scenario on who she could be and what she would think of me. My only exposure to her prior to entering campus was Instagram; pictures don’t ever do a person justice.

In the end, I met her. I met her and I learned that having a random roommate isn’t a bad experience after all. Are we best friends? No. Do we wear each other’s clothes and braid each other’s hair? Definitely not. But I think in the long run it has helped me better connect with someone who not only has varying interests than I do but also it has made me feel better about meeting new people on campus.

When you start to apply for housing, even when or if you get a roommate you don’t like, there are always chances to apply for a new room the next year or even the next semester. The key part of sharing a room with someone though is communication. If you feel uncomfortable or unhappy, express that to them. It might seem awkward or harsh, but it’s better to voice how you feel than to keep it bottled up within you the whole time. Your Resident Assitant for your hall can also serve as a major peacemaker in any dispute or grievances you have with your “roomie”.

Just know it’s okay to only co-exist. Don’t feel obligated to push your friendship onto someone because you’re living in the same room as them. The least you can do is just respect their privacy and requests, and just try to be kind to them whenever possible. It’ll be best for both of you that way. Roommates will come and go, but what matters is what you feel and what works for you.

Is Johnson City Your “Home”?

What Defines A Home

When talking to a college student, it can be confusing to what the term “home” means to them. They say they’re going “home”… does that mean back to where they go to college, or where their family is?

Home has an ever-changing definition, at least in my mind. It can be seen as the physical building you reside in, but mainly I view it is a feeling. Home to me is the sense of belonging, peace, familiarity, and a sense of community with those around you. It is being with my family, seeing people I know on the streets and making small talk.

I get told all the time that Johnson City is my home, but I think that feeling doesn’t just appear once you move there, it has to build over time. At first I detested the idea of calling anywhere except where I was born home, but now I think I’ve come to terms with the concept of “home” being abstract rather than a location.

Over the course of my first semester here at ETSU, tasks have gotten easier and become second nature. I have developed a routine and got a better grasp of the Johnson City culture. Part of this comes from my service job, where I clip articles from the Johnson City Press that relate to ETSU for University Relations. Surrounding counties, high schools, and cities start to stick in my brain. Yet, I still think it’s hard to call anywhere else “home” when almost every other weekend or two I’m going back to my hometown.

Being Homesick

Students come from all corners of the Earth to attend where they go to college. It could be seven miles down the road,  seven hours, or even seven days from where you came from. No matter the distance, though, we all share one thing in common: being homesick. And maybe it’s not for long, or maybe it’s not for home but some aspect of something from home. I know I got tired eating of eating The Marketplace food and would crave my dad’s homemade meals he’d cook every night.

I personally have the privilege to go home every once in a while for the weekend within the semester. I carpool with some of my friends I went to high school with, and going back home really puts into perspective the contrast of the life you live while at college versus what you do at home, and not necessarily in a negative way, either. In college, I run on a different sleeping schedule than I would at home, because the rest of my family likes to go to bed early. I also eat at very inconsistent times on campus, whereas at home dinner usually happens at around 6 p.m.

This constant back and forth from city to city makes it harder to fully feel settled in as a college student in Johnson City. I have explored on the weekends in JC on rare occasions, but my heart still lies 4 1/2 hours away in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Eventually, it’ll become easier. The number of times I travel down I-40 will decrease, and I’ll look around before graduation and be like, “Man, I’ll miss this place.” Until then, I’ll keep working towards making this place my home. You should, too.

They say college is the best years of your life, and I don’t see it that way yet. But there’s still time, time for all of us. It’s all about challenging yourself mentally and physically to do more and be more, and I believe that as the years progress, it will all start to make sense. People won’t have to tell you this is your home, you’ll feel it, too.

Your Student ID Is Your Life

And Why You Should Never Lose It

Throughout middle and high school, I was given a Student ID, but the ID never really served much of a purpose. It would get us into sporting events free, we had to use it to vote in student council elections, and that was about it. It wasn’t until college that I truly understand how important and frequently used an ID could be used.

Most of the time your ID will be printed and given to you at freshman orientation. There are some other outliers, including transfer students and other circumstances. For ETSU’s student identification cards, it has your E#, full name, and a picture of yourself. These IDs get you into everywhere you need to go on campus. I cannot stress to you how crucial it is to have it with you at all times.

What It’s Used For

Your ID serves multiple purposes, but I think the one everyone gets the most use out of is buying or eating food. Depending on your meal plan, you have access to food locations on campus such as the Tree House and the Marketplace endlessly during their hours of operation. If you’d like more information about what each meal plan specifically provides, click here. Regardless of your meal plan, it is likely you will have some “dining dollars” loaded on to your card each semester. These “dollars” serve as money that you can use at any of the food places such as Chick-fil-A, Quiznos, Toss, Taco Bell, BucMart, Starbucks, and Subway. What many don’t know is that you can use your ID to buy food off campus, too. Places such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Zaxby’s, Kroger, Mellow Mushroom, and Tupelo Honey accept “ID BUC$”. “ID BUC$” have to be loaded onto the card by the student, but provide easy access to money without having to pull out your wallet or credit card. These “BUC$” can be used at most locations that accept dining dollars, in addition to the on-campus bookstore and vending machines. (You can load “ID BUC$” onto your card at GET.)

It serves practical purposes as well, especially for those living in a dorm. IDs are crucial to entry to any dorm on campus, and your card specifically only works for the dorm you are living in. For example, I couldn’t get into Governor’s with my ID if I lived in West. A few of the newer halls on campus even use IDs rather than room keys to get into your room! Washers and dryers in each hall have a system set up to where you can pay with “ID BUC$”.

I forgot to mention that you have to use your ID to pick up packages at the campus post office. You will receive an email with which bank the box is located in, you swipe your card at that bank, and the specific locker with your package opens. It’s super cool.

If You Do Lose It

The first night I was at ETSU, I thought I lost my ID. Without my ID, I couldn’t get into my dorm building, so I started to panic. I mean, it was my first night on campus. I called the phone number posted on the flyer outside the main entrances, and someone let me inside. Although I am fuzzy on the details, I know normally you can only be let in so many times by someone else before having to meet with an RA or someone on the hall council in your hall. Thankfully, when I went to my room (which is opened by a key, not my ID) to get my driver’s license to fill out the paperwork I was given, my ID was sitting on the table.

If you do lose it, though, it’s not the end of the world. You can get a new one, but not always right away. You must visit Campus ID services and be willing to pay the $16.53 replacement fee. Their hours on this campus are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, then 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m the rest of the weekdays. But what if it’s the weekend? Or what if it’s late at night? The ID Services page explains it the best.

“Temporary housing cards can be obtained at your residence hall if our office is closed. These cards will allow you access until we re-open. If you have a meal plan, go to the Sodexo office to obtain temporary food vouchers to use until your ID card can be replaced.”

How To Keep Up With It

Invest in something to hold you card to have on you at all times. Whether that be a lanyard, a phone case, or a card-holder for the back of your phone; I use a card holder and it works great! The bookstore sells lanyards that will hold your ID. (Most of the time organizations will hand out adhesive phone card-holders during the first week of school. Take advantage of it even if you don’t join your organization! Free stuff is the best.) The less you have to struggle to get to it, the easier your life will be.

All in all, your student ID is a great tool to simplify spending on campus and make more things easily accessible to students. I hope this helped you, until next time!

 

Best Friends For Never?

How To Make Friends In College

One of the hardest things about college, in my opinion, is transitioning from one school environment to another. And not just education-wise, I also mean who you are surrounded by. Although I can’t speak on behalf of every college student, many people came from close-knit communities where even if you did not have a multitude of friends, at least you knew everyone. Leaving behind a world where you knew so many to enter a place where you know so few can be challenging yet rewarding.

The No-Friend Freshman

Starting off my first semester at ETSU, it was very easy to feel lonely at times. Whether it

be sitting alone in the Marketplace, or having nowhere to be on the weekends, it was a time where it seemed impossible not to yearn for the friends I had back home. Honestly, though, it is okay to be alone sometimes. Especially at the beginning of the semester, I found it easier to adjust on my own time and warm up to my surroundings. I could operate on my own schedule with no restraints.

When you feel ready, the best advice I can offer is to get plugged into something on campus. I chose to be part of the Wesley Foundation, which is a religious organization, but there are so many opportunities such as clubs, teams (both intramural and official), and even sororities and fraternities if you wish to take that route. Typically, any organization you might be interested in can be found on your university’s website. Flyers are hung up around campus promoting events by these groups; don’t be afraid to check out multiple groups. In most cases, you won’t find your perfect fit the first time. It might seem like a chore at first, but in the end, it pays off.

Maybe clubs aren’t your thing, that’s okay. You’ll have a multitude of classes where you will be surrounded by people you can befriend! It is beneficial to at least exchange numbers with someone in each of your classes, that way if you miss a lecture or have a question, you have someone to communicate with.

It Takes Time

All in all, don’t be too stressed about making friends quickly in college. Usually, it just takes time and longer exposures to these new people to start to open up and feel a connection forming. You will miss the friends you have back home (or at least I do), and moving away doesn’t necessarily mean moving on from those people. Take a deep breath, and just let the pieces fall into place. You’re not doomed to spend the next four years alone, I promise.

This Is Who I Am

An Introduction To Me, The Blogger

My name is Allison Winters, and I am a freshman at ETSU majoring in Media Communications with a focus in journalism. I am 19 years old, born near Nashville, Tennessee.

I plan to make this blog about what high school did not teach me about college. I chose this topic, because my first semester as a freshman I was faced with numerous obstacles that could have been avoided, or at least minimized, if someone had offered me legitimate advice. Many times people will sugarcoat the “college experience”, but I hope to put it into a better perspective what campus life is actually like.

Considering the fact I have interest in photography, I will try to mainly accompany each blog post with my own content. I hope this blog will allow others to have insight as to what being a freshman is like and provide helpful information to those approaching graduation or even already enrolled in college. I look forward to hearing from you!

(Disclaimer: I know every college campus is not the same and every individual does not experience college the same way. Topics I write about may not feel applicable to you, but that’s okay!)