Guest Blogger - Maya

Freshman Year Here I Come

By Maya Ana Callender

Maya at Utica College

Hey class of 2013! 

While you all are preparing to go into your last year at ICE I just got back home from taking my first steps as a college freshman on the UC campus. In the fall I will be going to Utica College which is upstate about 4 hours away.  I will be majoring in business management. After spending an overnight freshman orientation at the college, there are some things I wanted to share with you. 

Economic Crime, Justice Studies, and Cybersecurity Building
@ Utica College

First off, don’t be nervous! It’s human to be scared going into a new environment without knowing anyone, but everyone is in the same position as you, so just be yourself! Within minutes, freshman’s started to introduce ourselves which always started with “What’s your name? What’s your major? Where are you from?” It was the perfect starter for a conversation! I meet people from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Upstate New York and even Texas! We even exchanged our numbers! After the amazing party they threw for us, a group of us went back to the dorms to just talk and hangout like we have been in college for years. It felt great! 

The upperclassmen told us some personal college events which they could take back and events that they will look back on years from now laughing. One of the cheers they taught us were “U, C, Moose” And while you say it you have to make a U with your arms, C with your arms then a moose’s ears with your hands on your head. Try it!

"U, C, Moose!"

Second of all, stay safe! No one is controlling you in college do to the right things. It is up to you to know when to say no, go to class and take a break. For example, have emergency money in your wallet, let a couple of friends know where you are going and have the campus police number in your phone. If you’re going to drink, know your limit and make sure you see the drink being poured in the cup! Or just don’t drink! You don’t     need a glass of beer to have fun. 

Third thing is everyone knows they have to learn how to do laundry, but also learn how to cook! Even though most of your meals will be coming from the dining hall and other restaurants on campus, there may be a moment you want to heat up some food in the kitchen. So some advice the upperclassmen gave were, don’t put pizza in the oven with it still in the pizza box and don’t leave your popcorn in the microwave for an hour. Apparently last year freshman’s set off 12 fire alarms for cooking mistakes. 

Also, college is all about TIME MANAGEMENT. You guys definitely need to find some type of studying method before you go to college because no one wants to be that person who drops out because you were partying too hard. You get to pick your schedule, when to study, what to study and when to have fun. For example I picked all of my classes between 10:30am – 3:20pm. Depending on the day I have 2 or 3 classes and around 4 maybe 5 hours to study, then get some dinner and even go to a party or sporting event if I want. If I need to study more, I will give myself more time to study and if you need extra help, ask for it before you even start classes, it will help out when you are in need of a tutor! 

Last but not least, everything actually works out in the end! Trust me! I was so nervous during this whole college process that I wish I could go back and relax a little bit. ICE Seniors, try to read up about as many colleges as possible because you may never know what you like. Also, it is perfectly ok if you don’t know what you want to study in. College is all about self discovery and no one will judge, so have fun this last year and I hope you guys find your dream college like I did! 

Utica College

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Maya.  We look forward to hearing from you next year.  Wishing you a great college experience!!!


                                                 Jennifer