Freshman Spotlight

Up until my first week at Sacred Heart, I was dead set on the fact that college was not for me. Now officially being one month in, I can finally assure my family and friends that this has been the best decision I’ve ever made. 

Starting my Junior year of high school, I was encouraged to start thinking of where I might want to go to college; which turned out to be my biggest problem. I told myself that this feeling of uncertainty was normal and my decision would come with time. I kept telling myself this reassuring mantra until April of my Senior year, just a tad late. Looking back, and being slightly embarrassed, I strongly do not recommend this approach. The stress of finding a school had been building and I had only gotten more confused on what I wanted.  

Unlike most others, my attention was not on the aesthetics. While Sacred Heart is a truly beautiful school, my attitude was that every cafeteria has food and a bed is a bed so who cares? Keep in mind this is before I had my first burger form Linda’s! I mainly focused my search on finding the perfect program to create a path for my career in the fashion industry. I had applied and gotten into several schools that ranged from the loud Fashion Institute of Technology, to the more quaint Fairleigh Dickinson University. Ultimately I picked, and didn’t settle, for Sacred Heart University where I felt just the perfect amount of comfort as part of the new fashion marketing and merchandising major. 

The main difference I found during my transition from high school to college was the amount of free time I had. It’s not that I didn’t have anything to do, I had plenty of homework to finish and exams to study for; it was the combination of having that free time and the freedom to waste it. There was no one telling me to sit and study here, go and eat this, but not before you make your bed! I had to manage my time for my whole day, whereas high school took most of that responsibility away from me until 3:15 p.m. every weekday. I have finally been able to find a routine that works for me, but I’m always adjusting since you never know when a spontaneous trip to JP’s will strike!

Homesickness is never something I dealt with back home, but I’m pretty sure that’s because I wasn’t ever really away from home! I like to get out and go places, so I didn’t think I would miss home as much as I did my first week. I was a mess! It’s funny to look back on now because ever since then I’ve felt so comfortable and excited to stay for the next 4 years!

My absolute favorite part about being at Sacred Heart University is that I get to share my experience with my friends. Coming into school empty handed and knowing nobody is really scary and I was completely dreading it. This is why I’m so grateful I met the friends I did and I get to spend everyday with them in our little neighborhood! (Or at least until they get sick of me!)

I’m so happy to know when I’m old and gray I can look back on photos of myself from my freshman year at college and smile because of the amazing memories I made and the people I got to meet!

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