<p>I have orientation at Sonoma tomorrow, and I’m really super nervous for a few reasons. Mainly:</p>
<p>-That my schedule (when I get it) will be messed up and I won’t be able to fix it
-That I won’t like the girl(s) I’m staying in the dorm (overnight) with or won’t make any friends
-Just in general that I won’t know what I’m doing.</p>
<p>I’m not necessarily looking for advice, just needed to vent. My parents keep telling me how proud they are/how great I’m doing, so I feel like I really have to blow everything out of the water and I’m afraid I won’t live up to their expectations. :(</p>
<p>You will be fine. Yes, it might not be all you dreamed it would be … yet. Sometimes, it takes a bit of time to feel comfortable. Then again, it might be wonderful right from the start. Just know that … either way … things will end up being great. You have the right attitude! :)</p>
<p>hehehe Shrinkrap. They’ve definitely given me the “We’re disappointed in you” speech, but (thankfully) I haven’t heard it too many times. It makes me feel awful to hear it.</p>
<p>Thanks, kelsmom. My mom said she was glad I was nervous too. It’s just…GAH.</p>
That’s why plan B is always good to have; remember all those posts you read about having safety schools to apply to? Have some safety classes you’re willing to go with if worse comes to worse. Remember, all that money your parents are paying for school (or whoever is paying) goes toward staff that is educated and trained to deal with just these issues, so let them help you. Oh, and I know very, very few freshman who get the perfect schedule. You are now back to the bottom of the food chain… sorry!</p>
<p>
Maybe you won’t. But maybe one of them may introduce you to someone that eventually becomes your new best friend… three months from now. One of them may introduce you to your future husband! Think out of the box and approach each new introduction as if this might be the person you ask to be your maid of honor in your wedding five years down the line. Chances are, you will make some of your most significant friendships during college, just not necessarily at orientation!</p>
<p>
At that point, you take a deep breath, look around you, and take glory in the fact that no other orientees really know what they’re doing. In fact, because you’ve been so proactive on CC learning about stuff, you may make the others feel really ignorant! If not, have a sense of humor. But most of all, enjoy.</p>
<p>I’m actually pretty set, because I’m in a program for freshman that pre-registers you for 3 different classes (psychology, English and a freshman-seminar type class). I have to take a remedial math course first semester, and I’m pre-registered for that as well. All I really need is 1 more class…maybe 2. I’d like to take a history and maybe a Biology class if they’ll let me. But I’ll be pretty happy with anything. ^^</p>
<p>Don’t forget - all the other new students at the orientation are - new too!
They won’t know what they’re doing any more than you but you can help each other. </p>
<p>Your roommate might be fine or not. My D had an orientation roommate that never even spoke or smiled which made things uncomfortable but my D just didn’t worry about it since it was just for a couple of nights or so and did fine. If your roommate isn’t compatible just hang out with someone else. They usually have some ‘mixer’ sessions where you’ll meet others.</p>
<p>Everyone’s concerned about schedules but there are people there to help you out. Also, make sure you have an idea of what you want when you go into it.</p>
<p>I would not suggest 6 classes first semester. Please don’t jump into the deep water right off the bat. You need some time to have fun!</p>
<p>Oh, and about the roommate: My D spent an entire year with someone with whom she had absolutely nothing in common. She just found other people to hang with. It’s weird when you & your roommate say very little to each other … but it’s not the end of the world, either.</p>
<p>It’s normal to be nervous about such a big step in your life. Those other kids are probably just as nervous as you are! And no one else will know what they are doing either. :)</p>
<p>Of course you won’t! But the beauty of the situation is that you’re not really supposed to, and no one else will really know the ropes yet, either. I assure you that absolutely everyone on this board is confident that you’ll figure things out just fine ;)</p>
<p>The fact that everything is new is the scariest, but also one of the very greatest things about freshman year. Looking forward to hearing you report back in a few days. Best of luck!</p>
My mom said she was glad I was nervous too. It’s just…GAH.</p>