Spring 2013

Well it certainly has been a while since I've posted an update (Yeah try almost a whole year, Hannah!!), and for this I do apologize.

Anyway, I figured that it's time to get you all up to date! (If anyone is actually listening that is...)

It is currently April 10th, and I find myself 2 weeks into my 3rd and final quarter as a tiny freshman here on the BIG campus. It certainly has been a wild ride.

When coming into UCSD back in Fall 2012 I think that I made one of the best decisions I could have possibly made at the time... I got involved! I joined Pep Band right of the bat and found myself instantly surrounded by people who shared the same interests as I do. They all love to make music and just be silly! It was the perfect way to make new friends and I found myself saying hi to upperclassmen that I already knew of the first day of school!! How many other freshman can say that? Not many... So take some advice from someone who has been there before; join a club as soon as you find one that interests you. I know it's a little bit scary, but life starts at the end of your comfort zone.

As far as academics go, don't push yourself too hard in the first quarter. I took 17 units my first quarter and it bit me in the butt. College is a lot to adjust to (especially if you're coming from a high school that was on a semester system) and having a full plate is just not the way to start things off. 12-15 units is probably a nice way to start out. And if you're not accustomed to the quarter system, be forewarned that it goes by SUPER fast. There are 10 weeks of instruction and then the 11th week is your finals week. Somewhere in between those first 10 weeks you will also have anywhere from 1-2 midterms PER class. Some classes will also have weekly quizzes, but that's it! 11 weeks and just like that you're 1/3rd of the way done with a whole year.

I also learned (the hard way) that Winter quarter is the hardest quarter for freshman. Sure Fall is you're first quarter in a new place, away from home, and with new people, but UCSD is really great about filling it with all kinds of fun events for you to attend. They do a fantastic job of keeping your mind occupied and away from missing home, friends, family, and pets. However, after Winter break you're quickly thrown back into the system after spending 3 full weeks with loved ones, and those fun and mind occupying events at college have become few and far between. This is the quarter when the realization that you ARE away from home, you ARE in a new place, and you DO have an essay, science project, and oral presentation next week really hits home. That weight that was held at bay for so long during Fall quarter finally falls on your shoulders and it's REALLY scary at first (Again, take it from someone who knows). A really important thing to remember though is that everyone that's made this transition has gone through the same thing before. You are NOT alone. There are so many people that are willing to listen to you and help you through this if you let them. Also, Skype and care packages from home can be your saving grace (Thanks mom and dad <3 :) ).

After everything that I've been through this quarter I'm actually kind of sad to know that it's about to come to a close. I've made tons of friends, become sisters with my fabulous roommate (I love you, Sydney! <3), learned the value of a quick cat-nap between classes, and above all I've had fun. Sure there were some low points, but the bad was vastly dwarfed by the good :).

I know you're probably at least a little bit scared about college, but take comfort in the fact that so is everyone else. And yes, you WILL look like a total freshman on the first day with your class schedule in one hand and a campus map in the other, but that's okay! Ask anyone for directions and they will gladly help you out. Remember, they were a little lost freshman once too.

I'll be better about updating from now on, I promise. As always, feel free to comment or e-mail me with any questions that you may have :). I promise I don't bite :D.

Always,
Hannah Hosking