Going to college can be a major transition for most people. For some, it is leaving home for the first time, and it may even be the longest period of time ever spent away from family. It is saying goodbye to high school friends and heading off to meet hundreds, maybe even thousands, of new people. But every step leads to fun, new experiences.

As a Wiscasset Middle High School graduate, there are many things I have come to appreciate about being in a small school that I did not recognize before I left. Coming from a small high school taught me that what you get out of something all depends on what you put into it. While many people around me criticized a small school community, I have since realized that it taught me how to better socialize and connect with others, and it gave me the opportunity to learn how to be involved in a community, which is an important lesson to take with you to college.

I am learning that college is not and does not have to be a place where you just try to blend in and get through classes. Here, there is something for everyone. Everyone is always friendly, and professors are more than willing to help with anything you need. There were many times I had people tell me that professors are just there to teach, and then it is up to you to do the rest. I have discovered though that this is not always the case, and have found that professors are just as warm and welcoming as my high school teachers back home, which makes being away so much easier.

While the first semester away can be incredibly challenging at times, it also allows for freedom and new memories to be created. You become exposed to much more diversity, and have more space to become who you want to be. I attend Wheaton College in Massachusetts, and every week there are student-held events taking place. Whether it be a comedy show put on by a student-run group called “The Dimple Divers," or a Diwali Festival also held by students, there is always something fun to do that may also be a way to learn something new about others and different cultures.

During my first semester experience there have been many ups and downs - which is the way life should be - but I am still thankful for getting to have this amazing experience in my life. And when things get a little hard, I remember that I have a small town to return to where I will be welcomed back with smiles and greetings from people who helped prepare me to be where I am today.