EYE on FYE Essay by Rebecca Morgan
When I think back on my first semester here at Western Carolina University, I can’t help but laugh. On move-­‐in day, I was trembling with excitement but mostly nervousness. I had heard so many things about college. Mostly about how different it would be from high school, the usual threats of Eme management, and the ominous, hovering aspect of being thrust into a place where you did not know anyone. There were so many quesEons going through my head! Is this really where God wanted me to be? Can I live up to the expectaEons of such a different world? Will this just be the place I fail? “Come on, Rebecca, calm down. Everybody has to go through this,” I can sEll hear my dad’s comforEng words. At the Eme, I could not imagine how my brother, William was surviving at NC State, which is about 6 hours from our home. I was already homesick and my parents had not even leT yet! As we got everything seUled in my room with my roommate and it came Eme to say goodbye to my parents, I steeled my emoEons and did not let a tear drop. This was the first day of my incredible journey. I could never have foreseen the experiences that were waiEng for me out here. Of course, it is not all easy, actually none of it is. I have never been so challenged in my whole life, yet this is the happiest I have ever been. This is the Eme in our lives where we strive for what we want the most. I finally have control of my life and I can lead myself in any direcEon I want. Western Carolina University is my new home and I am doing my best to take full advantage of that. As the Community Creed states, I will always pracEce personal and academic integrity. If I did not, I would not deserve to be here at this school. WCU is built upon integrity and it is all of our responsibility to uphold this. Also, being in such a diverse culture, it is incredibly important to respect others and their choices. It doesn’t mean you always have to agree with how others live, but you should always show kindness and respect in everything you do and always be a friend. Being involved in the community is also important. Coming here, I want to be involved in our schools art and music programs and truly appreciate them. Above all else, I will be filled with pride for this school and will defend her name in any circumstance. She has given me the opportunity to choose a life on my life and to be successful in everything I do. For that, I am eternally grateful.