After about a month here at Union, I’ve had a lot of firsts. From my first college classes, to my first run-in with the aptly named “first-year flu,” I’ve definitely been kept on my toes as new experiences are thrown at me each and every day. While my hope for this article is to comment on my experience as a first-year at Union, I also recognize the potential for such topics to be boring to literally anyone who isn’t a first-year. With that having been said, I’ll be steering away from mundane first-year topics such as “how are my first college classes going” and “how do I like to food at college,” and I’ll be aiming to scratch the surface of some of the weirder, more unusual topics, explained in my section headings below. So, with that, let’s start the journey together, and let’s get into my thoughts on my first year experience at Union College.

Progress on My Major

Yes, you read that right. I wanted my first topic to be a strong one, so I, a freshman in college, want to talk about how I’m doing working towards my major. In fact, the answer to this question might be surprising to you; it is to me, anyway. As a very academically-motivated student (special thanks to generalized anxiety for that trait of mine), I have ‘known’ what I’ve wanted to major in for a couple years now, and actually going into college I didn’t think would change that thought very much. So foolish of me, I know. My intended major, by the way, is psychology, which I’ve had the privilege of taking an introductory course in this term. I absolutely love this class, and I find myself even more interested in the subject than I thought I would be originally. Yet, at the same time, I’ve begun to feel less attached to my initial major declaration. Kind of. Studying different topics through the various courses that I’m taking this term has led me to become more gravitated towards other fields. Not to say that I’m totally abandoning ship with psychology, but I can certainly say that I’ve been opened up to more potential areas of study (I’m thinking minoring here) through some of the classes that I’m really enjoying so far. Throughout the term, as short as it’s been so far, I’ve learned to become more okay with not truly knowing what I want for my future, and that’s a trait that I am definitely experiencing for the first time. All this to say, I could have a completely different outlook on my major, or not—but at least, now, I know that that’s okay.

My Favorite Spot on Campus

I had some hesitancy deciding on this section because, truly, I do have a favorite spot. This spot is so specific, and has become my absolute favorite place to do work, specifically because there is no one there. However, I recognize that publishing this article and putting word of said spot out there might make it less secluded, as information about its amazing-ness could lead other people to check it out. Nonetheless, I proceed. Consider it a gift, from me to you. Anyways, my favorite spot on campus, in a truly introverted way, is in the library. Specifically, it’s on the second floor. I absolutely love the second floor of the library because, for me, it’s the perfect amount of quiet. When you first arrive, the room echoes with light chatter from small study groups, perhaps some frustration about the work that students are doing, and you can feel free to drop a pencil, unzip your backpack, or type on your keyboard pretty much as loud as you want. If you are one of those people who works best in this environment, I highly suggest it. However, I am not. I, inconveniently enough, need complete and utter silence to do any sort of work or class assignment. As I sit and write this article from my room, the sound of my fan oscillating bothers me. So, after experiencing this frustration for long enough, I migrated my way up to the second floor of Schaffer Library. I enjoyed the aforementioned casual study environment up there, but what really drew me in was the silent study room, behind the glass doors. As I walked in, I felt bad about the door closing behind me—and that’s exactly what I wanted. Venturing even further into this silent oasis, I saw the holy grail of study spots. It’s this old wooden study carrel with partitions on three of four sides, giving you zero room for visual distraction. Even better, it’s in the corner of the room! Next to a window! Sitting at this little desk, the window behind you gives you natural light, and the walls formed by the carrel totally lock you into your work. Just pop in some study music through some sort of earbud, and you’re absolutely golden. I just love this study corner, and I feel probably the most studious that I’ve ever felt when I’m in there, so it’s safe to say this is absolutely my favorite spot on campus. 

With that, I do have to put an end to my rambling here. However, there is no end to these thoughts inside my head, so maybe I’ll be inspired to do a follow-up on my first year experience. Catch me in January, I’m sure my writing won’t be nearly as cheerful. For now, though, I’m having a great time, my first term has been more than wonderful, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.