I couldn’t have been more ready to leave for college. After a quick round of goodbyes and hugs with family and friends at the airport, I was on my way to a new place and a new life. So long, Maui. Hello, Los Angeles!
Somehow I had convinced my parents to let me take the trip on my own. It was just me and two suitcases. As the plane made its descent into LA, the sprawling city seemed to welcome me with open arms.
From the airport I took a shuttle to the University of Southern California, my home for the next four years. I checked in at the front desk of the dorm, got my room key, and dragged my luggage up the echoing stairwell. The halls were filled with other people moving in. Everyone else seemed to have their parents or entire families with them, and I suddenly had slight misgivings about my choosing to move in by myself. But since my mom and dad were five hours across the Pacific Ocean, I’d have to make do. I found my room, empty aside from the beds and desks. No roommate yet. She and I had contacted each other over the summer, basically saying hi and discussing what things we each planned to bring. She was bringing her Playstation and brand new TV, so I already knew we’d hit it off (which we did).
As I started to unpack, I realized that there were some very basic necessities I needed to get. such as toiletries, towels, and a laundry basket. I saw an R.A. roaming the halls, and learned from her that there was a small shopping center across the street from campus.
There, I managed to find a store that had everything I needed and made my purchases. Proud that I had accomplished my first errand as a completely independent college adult, I exited the store. But when I looked around, I realized that the streets and buildings looked unfamiliar. Instead of the brick structures of campus, I saw a row of houses and apartments. The campus was nowhere in sight. Confused, I walked back into the store, and realized there were multiple exits. Which one had I entered? I chose an exit at random, only to find that it faced an entirely different direction. Now I was all turned around. Fear and dread started to well up. Had I made a grave mistake, coming to a new city all alone? I had no option other than to just circle around the entire shopping center, until I finally saw the familiar buildings of the campus. I felt a surge of relief. After making my way back to my dorm room, I decided that was enough adventure for one day.
There was a whole new life ahead of me to be explored. I also made a mental note that my first order of business as a new student on campus was to learn the cardinal directions and find a map.
Somehow I had convinced my parents to let me take the trip on my own. It was just me and two suitcases. As the plane made its descent into LA, the sprawling city seemed to welcome me with open arms.
From the airport I took a shuttle to the University of Southern California, my home for the next four years. I checked in at the front desk of the dorm, got my room key, and dragged my luggage up the echoing stairwell. The halls were filled with other people moving in. Everyone else seemed to have their parents or entire families with them, and I suddenly had slight misgivings about my choosing to move in by myself. But since my mom and dad were five hours across the Pacific Ocean, I’d have to make do. I found my room, empty aside from the beds and desks. No roommate yet. She and I had contacted each other over the summer, basically saying hi and discussing what things we each planned to bring. She was bringing her Playstation and brand new TV, so I already knew we’d hit it off (which we did).
As I started to unpack, I realized that there were some very basic necessities I needed to get. such as toiletries, towels, and a laundry basket. I saw an R.A. roaming the halls, and learned from her that there was a small shopping center across the street from campus.
There, I managed to find a store that had everything I needed and made my purchases. Proud that I had accomplished my first errand as a completely independent college adult, I exited the store. But when I looked around, I realized that the streets and buildings looked unfamiliar. Instead of the brick structures of campus, I saw a row of houses and apartments. The campus was nowhere in sight. Confused, I walked back into the store, and realized there were multiple exits. Which one had I entered? I chose an exit at random, only to find that it faced an entirely different direction. Now I was all turned around. Fear and dread started to well up. Had I made a grave mistake, coming to a new city all alone? I had no option other than to just circle around the entire shopping center, until I finally saw the familiar buildings of the campus. I felt a surge of relief. After making my way back to my dorm room, I decided that was enough adventure for one day.
There was a whole new life ahead of me to be explored. I also made a mental note that my first order of business as a new student on campus was to learn the cardinal directions and find a map.
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