At Arcadia University, the incoming Freshmen have the opportunity to do something called Spring Preview. This is a time for new students to explore the possibilities of studying abroad, and it’s a small way Arcadia University helps students dip their toes into the world of traveling.
For me, freshman year was difficult. I was excruciatingly homesick, and it took me until my second year of college to fully get acclimated to on-campus living. With that in mind, the thought of going even farther away from home while trying to get used to living in a dorm was completely out of the question.
For me, it was a matter of needing to find stability and comfort. Or at least, I was attempting to. Since I was already outside of my comfort zone way more than I would have liked to be. However, what I didn’t know was that Freshmen were the only ones allowed to go to preview. I was under the impression I could have done it during any of my spring breaks here at Arcadia, so I told myself that I’d do it next year.
As I eventually found myself in a comfortable spot on campus, I began to revisit the idea of traveling. Personally, I started to fantasize about a world where I could travel and escape the shackles of North Philadelphia and Glenside. However, my fantasies were squashed as quickly as they began, as I found out that preview is only for Freshmen. So I missed my chance.
I felt a lot of feelings. I was mad at myself for not sucking it up earlier and just doing it, but at the same time, I physically and emotionally couldn’t do more during my Freshman year. As I was trying my very best, or at the time I at least felt like I was trying my best. It’s easy to look back and think you could’ve done more. That’s why they say hindsight is 20/20.
As an uprising senior, I find myself already upset I didn’t study abroad. That’s why, during my last semester I will take part in a GFS course here at the University. For those who don’t know a GFS is a global field study course you can take and it allows you to take a trip to wherever the class takes you. I’m planning on going to London, which should be as exciting as it is scary.
Despite having grown a lot since I was a Freshman, the idea of traveling is still very daunting. However, in spite of the fear, I rather get through the being scared part than regret that I never traveled to one of the most amazing institutions to be able to do so.
So I didn’t go to freshman preview, Womp Womp. Though, I am trying my very best to make sure that the person I will be when I graduate, won’t hate the person I was when I got here.
Featured image Cred: Adobe Stock
