The transition from high school to college brings excitement and nerves. For Sarah, a GCSC freshman, it’s a journey of growth.
Sarah, pursuing an Associate of Arts at GCSC, loves the beach and staying active while exploring opportunities for her college experience.
Choosing GCSC: Close to Home, Big Opportunities
When it came to deciding on a college, Sarah knew GCSC was the right fit. “It was close to home and pretty affordable,” she said. The convenience of staying local while receiving a quality education made her decision an easy one.
Her first day on campus was filled with the usual nerves, but the transition has been smoother than she expected. “I was a little nervous, but so far, it’s been much better than high school,” she shared.
Finding Her Place on Campus
Adjusting to a new environment always comes with some challenges, but Sarah quickly found ways to navigate her college experience.
Like many students, she got a little lost on her first day, but the campus online map helped her find her way. Now, she’s discovering her favorite spots. “I went to the coffee shop in the Student Union, and it was super good. And my classes seem like they’ll be challenging but fun!”
When it comes to studying, Sarah has found the library to be the best place to focus. “When I want to study or do work, I go to the library, and when I want to hang out with my friends, we go to Student Union East.”
One of the biggest adjustments has been the newfound freedom of college life. “It feels weird having this much freedom compared to high school, so in that way, it’s a challenge, but I like to see it as a blessing!” she explained.
Looking Ahead: Getting Involved
Although Sarah isn’t involved in any clubs or activities yet, she has her sights set on the women’s cross country team. “I was in cross country in high school, and I really enjoyed it,” she said, expressing interest in continuing her passion at the college level.
Balancing school with other responsibilities has been another learning curve, but Sarah has found a system that works. “Honestly, it was tricky the first few weeks, but it’s all about time management. I think I have a pretty good system currently.”
Advice for Other New Students
For those just starting their journey at GCSC, Sarah has one piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to talk to new people and make new friends. It’s good to have connections to people in different areas than you’re used to!”
Listen to Sarah share her advice for new students:
As Sarah continues her first semester, she’s embracing the opportunities and challenges that come with being a college student. With her positive attitude and willingness to explore, her time at GCSC is shaping up to be an exciting new chapter.
