Journal queenofthe1ring's Journal: Changes 5
I remember being in your position last year. Standing on the start-line of an entirely new life and unsure of all the rules of the game. I had never stayed away from home for any substantial amount of time (no camp or anything). I was hardly ever allowed out of the house to hang out with people, so drugs/alcohol were never an issue (even though my mum swore I had to smoke or something, even though I never even had the opportunity to). Had only been dating (first, last, and only boyfriend) since like the last couple weeks of school, so sex and stuff hadn't been an issue. Pretty quiet, boring, average life.
Upon arriving at school I finally learned how to be independent. I don't care how independent you think you are now, it's nothing to how you will be once you get into the swing of things at school. Making your own schedules and appointments is a plus. Also, the freedom is intoxicating, the thing is not to let it go too far.
My school schedule was busy, so budgeting for fun things to do was more difficult. I found a couple people though, and we always ate dinner together, which was good. It's kind of like having another family at school, only you actually have stuff in common with them. I would mark this as one of the best moves I made.
I'm gonig to assume you don't know your roommate. Just remember, you don't have to stick with the same person all 4 years. I changed roommates after my first-semester and moved in with one of my dinner-time friends. She and I have more in common. Just something to keep in mind, nothing is set in stone.
Now, about freedoms... I know a lot of people who let themselves go at school. I have remained drug-free, still have never even tasted alcohol or smoke. My friend Brandon is another matter though. The poor guy took to partying, smoking, and doing drugs and almost ruined his education. I hope he's able to get his life back on track, but he serves as a good example. Don't start things if you know it can really screw stuff up for you.
If their is a club or something in your major, I would suggest you join it. I hang out with the SPS (Society of Physics Students) though I never actually payed to join. It's a good way to meet others with similar interests, and you meet a lot of upperclassmen who would be happy to help you out on homework.
Personally, I don't go to parties. There are just too many risks, and I don't like to be in those sorts of crowds (the drunk horny people). But if you're into that sort of thing, never go alone. I can't stress that enough. Make sure you go with some one you know well and really trust and make deals with them to keep each other out of trouble. Be safe and have fun.
If you think "no," make sure you say "no." No matter how hard you think it they won't hear you. Don't second guess yourself. Let the past be the past, and move forward as best you can.
When you come home for weekends or for breaks and stuff, your parents will still treat you the same. You're still their child. To them it's like you never left home. Coming back after all the freedoms at school, to the tightly run Nazi regime will be difficult. Sometimes they will act odd, and try to keep you at a distance, because they know you'll be leaving soon. Sometimes they'll cling to hard and make thinks heart-tearingly difficult. But remember they love you and don't want things to change, so try to humor them, even though it's difficult.
Thank you (Score:1)
Glad I could help! (Score:1)
Carnegie Mellon is a good school. Best wishes and good luck!
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Re:Thank you (Score:1)
Yea..That's one of the reasons I decided to go to Carnegie Mellon instead of a high profile tech school. I wanted people around, like the art and drama students, as friends who don't want to play counterstrike all day. I also imagined that parties would be different in college than in high school, as for the drinking thing. I just imagine people will have more respect for ea
Something to think about... (Score:2)