¡Listos Para La Escuela!

By Claire Harutunian

Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the first day of college, back to school always feels like a major shift. As someone who is about to experience the latter, I can assure you that the butterflies in your stomach thinking about a big change do not disappear with age. What is different is the maturity level and the ability to understand the magnitude of the experience ahead. The idea of moving across the country, leaving family, meeting new friends, living in a dorm and balancing classes can be overwhelming. The universal experience of growing up is unavoidable, however, and it has caused me to reminisce on the carefree innocence of my first back to school season. Fifteen years ago, I started preschool as a three-year-old. While I did not comprehend the full scope of this life change, I did realize it was a big deal. The shopping trip to Target to pick out a tiny backpack, lunchbox, cool pack of colored pencils and new pink shoes was one hint. As a fairly independent child, I literally skipped through the preschool gates and onto campus the first day. Perhaps I was partially emboldened by my then favorite character, Dora The Explorer, who was emblazoned across the front of my new dress with an embroidered message: “¡Listos para la escuela!” meaning “Get set for school!” Suddenly, I was spending part of the day in a new place with new people. I remember feeling a little nervous at first, but that feeling was quickly overtaken by joy. Strangers quickly became friends, activities were fun and interesting and I adjusted to the new environment more each day until it quickly became my new normal.

Now at 18, the feelings involved in facing a new world are more complicated and the decisions involved in preparing to attend my first year of college can seem overwhelming. From what to major in and what dorm to live in, to what courses to take and which meal plan to select, there are seemingly an endless string of choices to be made. Add to that not being able to return every night to the home I grew up in, and the magnitude of my current situation becomes much greater.

Though life is very different now, some aspects of the August to September school preparation season have stayed the same.

The back to school shopping remains a highlight, with Ikea and Amazon now added to top shopping destinations. These trips are for much more than school supplies now, involving color palette selection and items including a bedspread, closet organizer and under bed storage containers. I never thought picking a towel color could be so difficult.

With millions of freshmen starting in colleges across the country this fall, I am certainly not alone in experiencing this latest and most significant academic life shift. Whether staying in San Diego County or moving across the country, we are uprooting our lives and, for most of us, living away from family for the first time. Though it can feel intimidating, there is also an incredible opportunity for growth in new environments. Putting yourself out there, no matter your age, is always a challenge. However, facing challenges can bring satisfaction and confidence. Attending club fairs and other new student activities is oneway to meet others looking for connections on a new campus. It is also helpful for us all to remember most peers will be in a similar position as they manage the nerves and excitement navigating their new school and living situations.

With the countdown to my departure date nearing, it is difficult not to think too far ahead about what this year will bring. While our eyes are often focused on the finish line, it is important to slow down and appreciate the beginning of a new chapter—including both the joy and challenges that lie ahead—and relish in the adventure of the unknown. While I will probably not skip onto campus the first day, I hope to embrace my inner Dora and explore my new world by keeping a positive—if not preschool level enthusiastic—mindset.

¡Listos para la escuela!