Let me start off by saying that I will never forget my freshman year at college. Some people might like to forget their freshman year, but to me it is a time filled with anticipation, some anxiety, and wonderful discoveries.

College is a lot different than high school. For example, I made the choice to commute from my apartment in Cotati, which is where I now live, to Sonoma State University. Being a freshman living off campus takes some of my time away. Therefore, time management will definitely be important to me. Without a doubt though, living away from home is one of the most dramatic experiences I've had as a college freshman. Even though it makes me feel melancholic at times, the only thing I can do is ask myself this question: "What can you expect as you head off into the wonderful world of higher education?"

Another thing I've noticed is the workload. It has been a little bit more heavy and intense than what I have ever experienced before. The major challenges of college work are the large volume of reading, the short deadlines, and the writing. Some of the effects of this larger workload that I've been able to see in myself are, without a doubt, frustration and occasional loneliness. But I do admit that having friends has helped me to overcome some of these effects, and have balance. Especially because I'm away from the comforts and friendships my home provided for me over the previous years when I lived in San Francisco.

In addition, during those long, seemingly endless nights of studying and writing, it has been natural for me to long for the good old days. I totally accept that sometimes I think a lot about the life I was living before, but I think that the time to grow has come. Moreover, I have not made significant decisions about my major or courses, and neither has my roommate during the blue periods we have had. However, I have sensed that up here in Sonoma County, things always look better in the morning.

Also, I have been making a lot of new friends. Despite this, I continue to be myself. I certainly don't want to be taking on somebody's pose, or playing somebody else's role. I have also been selecting my friends with the same care and patience I have always used. Believe it or not, my college friendships will be among the most satisfying and long-term of my life. That is what I can hypothesize now. It has been exciting to discover how wonderfully diverse college relationships can be.

Since I spend most of the day doing what I think would be best for me, I've discovered also that I have to do things on my own, and that I am my own boss (more or less) 24 hours a day. Enjoying my newfound freedom means a lot to me, especially because I've got a job on campus. I am basically working twenty hours a week and, of course, attending school. I have also had a chance to explore the local towns and suburbs with one or two of my new friends. I have realized that with freedom comes a lot of responsibility.

Consequently, I think that I should find my own style and way of doing things out here at Sonoma State University, which I've been doing. Something I have already thought a great deal about is my future. I think that going to college is as much about finding out who I really am as it is about getting a degree. I do have to say that I'm always on the lookout for role models. One of these is my math professor, who has unique ways of encouraging students. He inspires me, because he is over sixty and he is still teaching.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone at 826 Valencia for supporting this wonderful organization, so that they can help students like me reach their goals. Thanks, 826 Valencia, for making it happen for me!