In the America, college is seen as a right of passage. The only motivation to make it through high school is because you know once you're handed that diploma your life is truly about to start. No more sneaking in at two AM and telling mom you really came home at eleven. She didn’t hear you because she was asleep; no more complaining how nothing happens where you live, and mostly, no more being treated like a child. While college does entail these things, no one really prepares you or talks about the first few months of college when reality hits you. I remember for me the first morning I woke up in my dorm room with that feeling of, ‘OH MY GOD, WHAT AM I DOING?!?’ realizing that you are truly on your own. Those first three months you learn crucial things, like, yes laundry does take a day, dorm food is called dorm food for a reason, and you probably shouldn’t take on a drinking challenge with your floor mate who also happens to be a 6’4” football player. Regardless, the first quarter of college is much more than just a culture shock, it’s the beginning of your independence.

    Since I am a junior and my freshman year experience was a few years ago, I decided to interview a freshman in my sorority to get the current lowdown on freshman fall quarter.

Raissa Masket: How has your freshman quarter been going?

Freshman: It’s been going well, pretty overwhelming though, I feel as though I am finally getting the hang of it now.

RM: What has been the biggest transition for you?

F: Well I am from a small town, so UW (University of Washington) is a pretty huge school to come to, but I really enjoy how much variety there is. Everyone is so different, and there is always so much going on!

RM: I totally understand it’s pretty crazy how much stuff has been going on, have you been able to handle your schoolwork with everything else?

F: Yeah, I have. I am only taking two classes since that is what my advisor recommended me to do, therefore I have not been too overwhelmed. I am kind of nervous for next quarter though when I will be taking three….

RM: Haha, let’s just say that you are going to learn a lot more about time management next quarter with the third class, because I definitely did. Have you been meeting a lot of people in your classes though? I mean do you feel like that class is another great way to meet people?

F: Yeah I do, it’s just hard because right now I feel as though I am meeting all of these people, but they all blend together. At this point I’ve met so many other freshman, but we don’t see each other again. I guess that’s the only downfall about going to such a huge school.

RM: Yeah, I can relate with you to that, but trust me before you know it UW will seem a lot smaller. You would be surprised by how certain groups stick together throughout college. Speaking of your social life though, how has living in a sorority been? Did you know that you always wanted to be in one?

F: I didn’t really think much about the Greek system until the last minute, when I decide to go through rush. I am the first in my family to be in a sorority, so I really didn’t know what to expect. So far it’s been really good, I love how social it has been and it’s really helped me transition into college.

RM: So what advice would you give your high school friends before they start college?

F: Go in with an open mind, your idea of college before you start will definitely change once you actually are a part of it!

Raissa Masket is a junior at the University of Washington in Seattle, double majoring in English and LSJ (Law, Societies’ and Justice). Hailing from Portola Valley, California, right near San Francisco, she considers it to be one of the prettiest places in the world (although she might be a little biased). Her hobbies include reading, writing, hanging out with friends, and being active (when weather in Seattle permits). Along with school she is part of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and works at the college newspaper The Daily as an advertising representative. She is excited to be a contributor to the Hotcourses USA blog!