Fears

The months and weeks leading up to freshman year of college contain a multitude of different emotions. Personally, I was excited for freshman year at Chapman. I didn’t know many people but I was happy to have a fresh start at a new school. This excitement also brought some fears. Due to the fact that I did not know many people from my area at all going to the same university as me, I was extremely nervous to make new friends. I grew up in an area where everyone knew everyone so in a way making friends came very easily to me. College seemed like a huge and intimidating place and I was very nervous to go. Meeting new people and finding my place in a new school was my biggest fear.

Speaking with the Orange High School students, I learned a different perspective from them about their fears about college. I often heard them speak about how they were worried about scholarships and balancing a job and school at the same time. In addition, they seemed concerned about paying for the college or university. Their biggest concern was keeping up with grades and taking finals. These high school students seemed to be most nervous about the higher level of education that colleges and universities expect out of students.

These concerns highly contrast with mine as I was very confident in my academic abilities. I was not fearful or stressed about the workload because I knew I could handle it. In addition, I was not concerned with my tuition being paid for which is something I am very thankful for and blessed about. It really puts into perspective the different challenges and fears other students in the United States have to deal with.