"“First semester sucked” was one of the first things Jordon told me when we started talking. A few days ago I had opportunity to speak my brother and talk about his college experience so far a massive change for both us. has trailblaze way through freshman year going from Denver Colorado its near polar opposite: Auburn Alabama. deal with harder classes less sleep more people than ever before this but he will continue push it all. He realized value basic items routines now yearning what once took granted. His food is on tight budget in Alabama being much expensive here Colorado. At home distinctly remember how would inhale at dinner table each night plowing multiple plates now doesn’t have that luxury. “I don’t get restful sleep” me. full bed home feels like king compared rock-hard twin dorm peace quiet become virtually unattainable. Lack sleep been large shift adjust to. “I’m always sick…” said operating lower battery used to.” well rested are gone breaks only chances catch up. When came spring break bringing calls “the frat flu” slept seemed 3 days. dorm room does not offer sanctity bedroom home. The humidity coupled poorly maintained building made rooms musty damp ceiling caving occasions and as expected dorms loud. “It’s loud night” noting kids coming back drunk 1:00 am yelling slamming doors. On top that puts it never alone here.” sit around alone just recharge occupied by roommate. This general deprivation an uphill battle day classes. “Academically prepared come here” said. transition high school academics difficult any incoming freshman class hurdles overcome average student COVID forced miss nearly half experience. having done real work two years years did have mastered art doing little possible good grade. Now study hard can grades consider below CA. Furthermore Auburn 27000 undergraduates it’s impossible make connections teachers incredibly strong bonds between students faculty All these factors together Jordon’s battle. Yet some positives well. “College athletics insane.” It’s nothing lackadaisical scattered student sections often CA bigger. If playing their main rival Crimson Tide University Alabama almost entire watch. No matter sport there is big or small known unknown sizable section supporting team. Everyone loves Auburn. Going school rare see anyone walking who isn’t wearing sort gear. They countless superstitions traditions games such toilet-papering trees Toomer’s Corner after wins. many cementing himself further into family. And part family matters Jordon initially unhappy hadn’t found people. founding member rebirth Kappa Sig fraternity he’s smaller within larger He’s loving which brings point essay: I’m apply myself. Based experience if do eventually decide leave imagine all offer. Jordan sky bigger there” commenting something here whereas happening. realize nice state Colorado while living you leave beautiful interesting place really is. snow capped mountains sitting behind miles plains forests cityscapes give serene sense protection taken granted whole life. There streams fishing trails running biking slopes skiing here everything could want aside ocean. likely opt new chapter life “Colorado leave.” idea fills excitement terror. finally be able live own life find am ready that? Will stay afloat swim home? truly happy myself me? know grapple ideas too heading college even me start set out do. Though got rocky start turn wanted. My awful too because happen better there. mentor one showing triumphs downfalls allow create experiences Plus epitome homebody why can’t I?"