How did we end up as freshmen again? Is this a joke? Upperclassmen are looking at us funny, people giggle as we get lost or fail to understand references made about St. Olaf. Why do we hate PDA? What does Ytterboe the dog even mean? Why does everyone groan when you say you live in Mohn? What is the deal with the caf trays?
As an incoming freshman, playing it cool is simply not doing it anymore. Last night, someone was asking where I was from, which led to a Carleton student practically shouting across the room; “She’s obviously a St. Olaf freshman.” Yikesssssss! I must have it tattooed all over my face. Truly, It is not all bad. Our bathrooms are gloriously decorated with wet dirty laundry, each and every sock strategically placed to bring out the color in the room. Laundry blankets most of our basement floor as we adjust to life with three functional laundry machines for 10 floors of people. Who knew college could be so innovative?
As an incoming pre-med student I truly have no idea what I am doing. Professors are constantly telling us half of the people in the room will drop out before the end of the semester. I study chemistry seven days a week, nonstop. I am doing my best everyday, just to not have a mental breakdown, fearing becoming being the next college dropout. Everything is so new, and I know at least ten people who have already dropped out. Am I next? Is everyone as lonely as I am?
College is scary, but at the same time it could be worse. I could still be living with my parents. I promise I love my mom, who has already asked me to send her a copy of this paper. Regents is my favorite place to be, constantly wandering through the halls singing. Yes, I am the random girl singing that one country song at 9:45pm on a Tuesday night. I love the awkward conversations and quick glances between people in the elevators. I am slowly but surely finding my place within the world. Ordering pizza at 1 a.m., and then going on a coffee date the next morning. Some of my friends are already engaged, while I am simply living for random conversations with people. I think everyone is just as lonely as I am. We are all just trying to find our way without dropping out or being labeled as “That One Freshman.”
I am not happy yet, but I am way less sad. The life of a freshman again. What a perfectly chaotic place to be.
Brooke Ellis ’26 is from Cottage Grove, Minn
Her major is undecided.
