When I first stepped onto campus, knowing that I was now an actual student here, I was overwhelmed with an array of completely mixed emotions. 

I was so excited to start classes and start learning about things that I was actually interested in. On the other hand, I was so nervous to meet new people and start making friends. 

People always say that when you start college, you get to put everything in the past behind you and really choose whom you wish to be. From personal experience I now know why people constantly say this to incoming freshman – because it couldn’t be more true. 

I find myself more and more, everyday I am here at Castleton, becoming the person I have always wanted to be. Another thing that people say when just starting college is that you will finally get to choose your friends. Coming from a very small town, I was forced to be around, or at least get along with the people in my grade. 

Here at Castleton, you meet people you have so much in common with without even realizing it. You can meet people literally anywhere and once you do, the next thing you know, they are adding you on Facebook, or making weekend plans, or you find yourself going to Soundings events with that person. 

I started off this semester convinced that I am just not good at making friends and that it might just be the biggest struggle for me here. But I have already made so many friends without even trying! And the best part is, is that I actually have things in common with these people. 

For me, there is nothing better than a good conversation, and finding friends who I can talk for hours with and never get bored is the greatest thing. But as you may all already know, things aren’t all sunshine and daisies when it comes to life as a freshman. 

There is always a downside, like homework, 8 a.m. classes, finding your way around, getting Microsoft Word on your computer, and being completely broke. 

Believe me, the list goes on, but what everyone has to realize is that every single first-year student here is feeling the exact same stresses and the exact same worries.

There is no point, at anytime, when any of us is alone. I have found that there is always someone willing to help and always someone who is feeling the exact same way. 

And who knows, maybe you’ll find that person, figure it out together, and make a new friend in the process. Trust me when I tell you that we will all figure it out along the way.  

-Carly Trombley