Untitled

As we look upon the scene outside of our windows summer begins to blur further and further out of focus. The colors of leaves become warmer as the temperature drops and the migration of birds becomes more noticeable with the lack of pigeons at every station. With all the changes happening in our environment, where does that leave us?

It is popular belief that the beginning of Fall marks the period of “locking in”. This encapsulates all the things one may strive to accomplish, whether that is honing in on their classes, finding ways to make extra money, or focusing on their fitness/athletic goals. For many returning students at DePaul, this belief tends to hold validity, but what about the small few who don’t align with this statement? Not because of laziness or lack of motivation, but rather because we may not be sure what exactly to “lock in” on.

I’m new here. Not just to Depaul but to the state of Illinois as a whole, and I’m positive that there are many more students just like me. Whether you’re a freshman or a transfer, whether you went to a high school ten minutes down the street or in a country the average American couldn’t point out on a map, we’re all new here. And because we’re new, there may be some bumps in the road when it comes to adjusting. The important thing to note is that you’re not alone. Everyone is changing their approach to the world and adding or subtracting from the life they lead before arriving on campus. The seasons are beginning to change so why don’t we follow suit? I know I have.

What I’m trying to say is; it’s okay to feel uncertainty. It’s okay to go by a different nickname, try a new sport, or hang out with new people. It’s okay to not like one of your classes, or feel homesick, or miss your dog. All of that is okay because what we’re all collectively experiencing right now is new. Fall is the season of change, and for many of us DePaul may be one of the biggest changes we’ve experienced so far. With that being said, make the changes you want to make. Reinvent yourself, change up your habits, and most importantly be new, because that’s what most of us were when we got here anyway.

About the Author

Jahiem Brown is a freshman majoring in Film & Television. His above work was catered towards freshman and transfer students, lending words of support in regard to their transitions from high schools, hometowns, and the new atmosphere as a whole.