Awakened early and abruptly at by the highly unpleasant, ear-wrenching sound that came from my alarm clock made it official on the morning of August 29th, another first day of school had arrived. No more being able to enjoy leisurely waking up and starting the day when I so desired. For the freedom that summer signified was over and orderly structure was now in place.
However, for me this would not like be a typical semester I would have been accustomed to in the past. Changes such as more classes, less free-time, altering sleep schedules, parking fiascos, and implementing serious time management would quickly ensue.
Its not like I had been dreading for this day to come for the previous three months though, not at all. I welcomed some changes and I was eager to see how they would fit into my schedule. For example, no more American River College (my previous three years of college were there), upper-division classes for my major (journalism), and classes occurring five days a week. And those are the main differences that stood out as I attended four of my six classes the first day.
Previously, the most classes I had ever taken in a semester was four and wasn’t on campus for more than a few hours at a time. It hit me as I completed a full six on Monday, that a heavier dosage of units would in turn mean much more time on Sac State's Campus and less time for me to do as I wish away from school.
Minor obstacles were abundant as well. I had to cope with inconsistent sleep patterns Monday through Wednesday nights, but wake up consistently early. Oh, and the parking issue, that could have gone better. Apart from it adding an additional 10-15 minutes to my commute each way alone, it wasn't unbearable. Oh, but having my air compressor in my car run faulty creating negligible airflow, that wasn't much fun to endure while circling a parking lot in 96 degree weather.
Apart from the heinous amount of time being spent commuting, parking, and coping without any airflow in my car, it seemed ok. However, I quickly realized that it was not going to be a usual semester of three to four classes with a bit of part-time work being sprinkled it, not the case. It really hit me towards the end of the week (Wednesday and Thursday) though as more and more work kept being piled on for five out of my six classes. Examples were two papers, online exercises for 2 classes, more materials to buy, and twelve total chapters in various textbooks to be read.
Although I was more looking forward to seeking refuge and relaxing a good amount this weekend, I came to see it is not exactly the end of the world. It might not be enjoyable all the time or what I would choose to do leisurely, but this is why I am here. I transferred to Sac State to further and broaden my education. I am excited and eager to spend countless hours in the library studying, reading chapter after chapter, and fighting through “writer’s block” every time I stare blankly at my laptop.
The first week here at Sac State showed me more than anything is that I have a challenge for the next 16 weeks, but also it showed me as well that I have a fantastic opportunity too.
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