Better Late Than Never
May 20, 2024
Writer: Kate Weinstein
Editor: HY Editors
Starting freshman year as a spring scholar at Tulane was an uphill battle from the beginning. It took longer than I am willing to admit to feel like I was at the right school and actually happy about it. Being a spring scholar came with its perks; I had my own room, no RA, and felt confident in the classes I was taking. But, it also has its downsides like feeling on the outs of being a real Tulane student. While the first semester was hard, I always assumed once I moved onto campus everything would immediately get better.
As I had hoped, moving into a dorm and stepping onto Tulane campus for the first time felt welcoming and exciting. But still, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider. While others had already settled into their routines and forged connections during the fall semester, I found myself playing catch up. Despite the excitement of finally being a Tulane student, there was a lingering sense of loneliness, as if I had missed out on the crucial bonding experiences that typically occur in your first semester of college. It was hard to put myself out there when it had already seemed like everyone had found their way and I was on the outskirts of the hangouts and inside jokes.
However, as the months passed and I persevered through the many challenges I had to face, something unexpected began to happen. When I came back after summer for my sophomore year I was ready and excited to live with the three friends I had made my first year. Slowly but surely, I started to find my footing. Through a combination of resilience, openness, and a willingness to put myself out there, I began to form connections with other students who, like me, were still searching for their place. As it turned out, as much as it seems like everyone had already found their people, I wasn’t the only one feeling on the outs of freshman year. I realized, sometimes it just takes longer than just those first few months to really meet the people you connect with.
Suddenly I started hanging out with the same group of girls each day, finally being a part of the inside jokes and feeling a sense of belonging in my group of friends. Before I knew it, I looked around and realized that I had not only found my place at Tulane but had also discovered a sense of belonging that surpassed anything I had imagined.
Now, as I reflect on my journey from freshman year to sophomore year, I am, surprisingly, unbelievably grateful for the twists and turns that brought me to where I am today. I no longer feel out of place at Tulane but rather feel like a proud member of the Tulane community. I am surrounded by incredible friends who have become like sisters to me. While the road may have been challenging, the destination was more than worth it.