We just returned from a trip to Main Street in the bustling college town of Newark, Delaware. This is the first time I have been able to use the word “bustling” to describe it, because most of my previous time there was during the off-season. The town practically shuts down when school is not in session.
Today the freshmen were in full bloom. They were so adorable, wandering the street followed by their middle-aged parents and lugging around large bags filled with heavy books and toilet paper. Occasionally, there was a younger sibling shuffling behind, trying to look equally bored and, like, way mature.
We stopped for a piece of pizza at this groovy joint aptly named Peace A Pizza (they believe in making pizza, not war) and did some people-watching out the window. I thoroughly enjoyed the view, and especially enjoyed the realization that I don’t have to ever be a freshman again in my life.
I have fairly fond memories of my first year of college. I remember feeling bona fide “grown up” the first time I wrote a check for rent, bought my own groceries, and went to Village Inn at two in the morning without feeling like I needed to ask permission of anyone. I was officially in charge of myself and the new-found independence fit me like a glove.
That said, I wouldn’t want to be that age ever again. My independence also brought me my first D- (in Physical Science), my first psycho neighbors, and my first hangover. OK, so it wasn’t an alcoholic hangover, but this one night I stayed up studying—cramming, actually, for that much-hoped-for D- in Physical Science—and drank four entire liters of Dr. Pepper, chased by a foot-long sub and an entire bag of Doritos. Mmmmmmblecht. I can eat Doritos now, but the taste of Dr. Pepper still sends occasional shivers down my spine.
All of that—the good, the bad, and the burpy—danced through my memory this afternoon and reflected in the wide-eyed faces of those freshmen. So much ahead. So many times to feel unsure and bewildered. And even more times to revel in small victories—a good grade, a new friend, a mastered theory, a clearance sale on frozen dinners.
If you were here with me, I would take you to Main Street for a slice of pizza (I recommend the Margherita) and show you all the adorable freshmen and their weary parents and ask you this question: What did you learn during your first year of college? And if not college, adulthood? And do you tend to agree with the idea that Physical Science is, like, totally the worst class EVER?
I actually think I learned a lot during my first year of college, although some of the “lesson’s” I learned were hard ones indeed!
I learned that I actually liked learning – which was pretty cool.
Before College, I never really applied myself and coasted by with good grades all through high school. For me it was all about the social scene. Then when I started college, something shifted and I actually wanted to learn something. Who knew!!!
And I totally disagree that Physical Science is the worst class ever, For me it was definitely Algebra. THe ONLY reason I passed was that the professor took pity on me. I still have nightmares about quadratic equations.
Ohh…I loved that description. I LOVED (and hated) my freshman year. I remember driving back to Logan from Christmas vacation crying because I had to go back. Then, as soon as I pull onto main street Logan and saw my roommates, all those feelings changed. Ahh, I loved those college days.
I learned more looking back on that year than I did while living it. There is a LOT I would do differently if I had to live that year over again. Hind sight is 20/20.
Just last week I visited my own college town and discovered my freshman dorm was now a hole in the ground. That is probably a good thing considering how disgusting some of my roommates were – NOTE – if you are a messy teenager do not, I repeat DO NOT check the “messy” box in your dorm application because while you may end up with roommates who (like you) leave clothes strewn around and the bedroom and mail scattered on the kitchen table, you will most definitely also get the disgustingly filthy roommate who leaves unspeakable piles of filth in every corner. Yes, I learned a lot my freshman year. I look forward to discussing those lessons over a slice at Peace a Pizza . . . perhaps with a Dr Pepper – which also reminds me of college even though I rarely drank anything carbonated during those years. It wasn’t until law school that I turned to caffeine.
Freshman year priorities:
1. Fun
2. Friends
3. School
4. Work
5. Eating
6. Church
7. Dating
8. Nintendo
9. Sleep
I was one of two people in my graduating class that stayed home and went to the community college. So, in effect, it was as if I was away because everyone else was. Make sense? I made it a point to visit my friends in Cedar City and St. George. THAT was fun. I still got mom’s home cookin’ but had my own money and didn’t have to pay rent. I did, however, have to spend every dime of my money on preparing for my mission.
The weirdest thing about college was LDS institute. All these kids pretending to be SO grown up and responsible. Pathetic. It was college….loosen up, man! I didn’t become a man until I got married.
My best classes in college turned out to be those science classes you hated. Even Physiology/Anatomy. Aced ‘em!
Oh yes…those were the days…so young, so free, so stupid and blind
At least I was. Those sure were the days though 
i made a huge mistake of taking a 7:00 a.m. class! there were 3 of us! atleast there were 2 other dumb freshmen like myself, that was comforting. it was too hard to skip class, though. on the upside, if any one of us knew we were going to be gone, the teacher would usually cancel class. i never again took a 7:00 a.m. class!
Me not go to colage i hop to one day! mite try lika wridding clss!
Tiff, You are too cute, and a beautiful writer!
Love ya!
Heidi
Mostly what I learned my first year of college wasn’t related to school. I made a ton of new friends, learned that in Utah the mountains are East (when I couldn’t find Provo off of I-15), and I learned that not everyone’s mom made them learn how to cook and clean up after themselves. Mostly I learned how to speed date. That part was excellent. and I somehow managed to test out of Physical Science, which sounds like it was a good move.
I’m glad you guys are getting all settled in and loving Delaware. I have to tell you, there is a little boy at my work who looks just like Max and each time I see him I think of you guys!
Physical Science was a horrific class. When I signed up for it, my boyfriend and i thought it would be so cute to take it together. Well, we broke up right before school started and it was so awful to have to see him in there everyday! ugh.
I actually got an ‘F’ in Physical science my freshman year. perhaps that’s part of why I never finished. I plan to go back and all those horrible feelings await me. UUUUGGGHHH! one day.
I HATED Physical Science. I, like an idiot, took the class with my brainiac brother Mark in a Spring term. He, of course, got an A. Me a C+. You’re probably thinking a C+ isn’t so bad–yeah I had the same thought until I went to my academic advisor and found out that in my major they had just changed the requirements and had their own Physical Science class for El. Ed. majors. When I told her I had just taken it she told me not to worry because as long as I had gotten a B- or better I wouldn’t be required to take the TWO SEMESTER Physical Science course my major now required. CURSES! That day really stunk…
Oh, how I remember the days of knowing that I knew EVERYTHING! Dang, how come I am now so DAFT? – Maybe it is all the brain cells I lost having 5 kids! Physical Science was the first class I ever took at good ole BYU! – Not especially my favorite, but I didn’t get a D until Chemistry – YUCK-O!
The only thing that saved me in Physical Science what that the teacher graded on a curve, which gave me a C.
You’re right about going back. I wouldn’t do any of it over again, even the best years are best left in the past.
The best part of freshman year was pretty much everything…I loved Snow College! Everyone was so friendly and it had a quaint small town feel. I think roommates can make or break your experience and I had the best roommates both years I was there. We still keep in touch to this day via a roommate letter, emails, facebook & blogs. There are 11 of us that keep in touch, all but one are married, and there are 25 kids between us. I wouldn’t have changed a thing about my freshman year.
Unfortunately I spent my freshman year at the University of Utah living at home with my parents. No offense to my parents or to the University of Utah, I actually really like both of them. I did not really enjoy that year very much.
But it made me realize I needed to move out and go to Utah State where a lot of my friends were. That was by far one of the best decisions of my life. I have such fond memmories of Utah State. It was endless fun with a couple stressful school days mixed in during every semester.