One Year Wiser

I have now been at Luther for one week, after coming to campus a little early for cross country practice. It's amazing how much difference a year can make in how comfortable I feel here. On the drive up to Luther on move-in day I was thinking about how my feelings and knowledge differed from moving in as a freshmen. This year I knew where my mom should park the car in order to unload and move my stuff into my dorm. I knew who my roommate would be and who else would be living on my floor. This year I knew where the track was and where to meet for our first practice. And, best of all, I knew who would be there to greet me when I arrived- my wonderful friends and teammates.

As a sophomore I just feel a little bit older and wiser. For example, this year I actually know where I'm running when people say we are on Dug Road or Van Peenan Trails. The street names and trails are no longer a foreign language like they were at the beginning of last year. Also, I don't need to have my campus map out every time I leave my dorm room in order to figure out which way I should be heading. This time around I have an idea of what to expect from college courses and how much homework is involved. Nevertheless, each semester brings about new classes, new professors, and new challenges.

I am very excited to be on campus and to be running with the cross country team. As an older, wiser student I realize that my role has changed. I am no longer the lost, excited, anxious, homesick, giddy freshman girl of one year ago. Now I get to be the one who welcomes and greets all of the lost, excited, anxious, homesick, giddy freshmen, showing them the ropes, and reassuring them that they will, in fact, survive college life. I get to give out the advice to the new runners on the team and try to convince them that racing in 'buns' really isn't that bad.

I am enjoying the perks of being a sophomore: air-conditioned dorms, free time outside of orientation meetings and paideia class, but with all classes starting this Wednesday, I know my free time will dwindle. Although some thoughts resembling those of last year may cross my mind as the week unfolds, (What have I gotten myself into?!) now I have a little more confidence and experience to know that I'll be just fine.

I hope everyone will keep up with my new adventures this year. I will be trying out a new job at Legends, the fitness center on campus, as well as attempting to teach preschool kids and kids ages 5-8 some Spanish! It should be interesting and entertaining. Comments are always welcome and I'm looking forward to sharing my second year at Luther with you.