In Which Three First Days Are Described (Part 1)

Note: I was going to write these as one post, however that would make one long post, so I'm splitting them up. 


Dear Reader, 

Four years ago this week, I walked onto a college campus supposedly prepared to begin my first semester. It was cold and foggy at 6:45 am as I walked to my calculus class. Scared that I had forgotten the way, I tried to text a friend who was in the same class. No response. The pathway seemed longer than I remembered as my mom and I had walked it a few times so I could get familiar with it. I had everything I needed - pencils, pens, the textbook*, paper, calculator....

There was no one around I would approach. I went to a local community college and at that time smokers made up most of the population on campus or so it seemed. Finally, I saw the tall gray building and walked inside. Finding my classroom with less difficulty, I entered and saw my friend had chosen a back table with two guys. Inwardly I thought: "Why?! All I wanted to do was sit front and center so I don't have to talk to anyone." 

She called me over and I went, reluctant. 

The rest of the day is somewhat of a blur now. I know I saw a few more people I knew and that was reassuring. But overall, looking back, I think if I had had a choice I would have ran out of there as quick as I could. 

The semester went well however. That calc class was terrible and I ended up retaking it in the summer**, but the guys were fun and studied for the most part. Actually, one guy and my friend ended up dropping. I stayed til the bitter cold end. 

I'm glad I stayed though. Both that first day and through the semester. Failing once in a while could be good for perfectionist types like me. I learned that I can get back up and survive and sometimes sitting in the back is okay, too. 

*All $200 worth of it. 
**And got 98% in the class. This wasn't a question of studying harder. There was simply a better teacher.