You've Gotta Start Somewhere

Whether you are a new student or a returning student, the first day of school reserves a special kind of anticipation.  It finds students in various states of readiness and demands that they start out on a several month journey into unknown territory.  Some are excited, some over-confident, some sweating with anxiety, and others are completely nonchalant about the whole thing.  As a Student Ambassador, I have the special privilege of witnessing new students in these various states of readiness at New Student Orientation and at the Info Desk during the first week of classes.  I enjoy helping them navigate the ins and outs of Mat-Su College and find their 'school-legs'.  But even with all my experience as a seasoned student and employee of my own educational institution, I can be caught unprepared by the first day of school.

Beneath the semi-professional attire, I'm still a student.

My start this year has been fraught with longing for more time, better health, less responsibility, and a rested mind...in short, a much-needed vacation!  I need a beach chair, on a hot beach, with a cold drink (preferably with a tiny umbrella), and nothing more to think about than what tropical delicacy to eat for lunch.  But such is not my reality.  School has started and I find myself lacking the usual enthusiasm.  It could be that my plan to graduate in May with a long-sought-after Bachelor's degree has given me a serious case of 'senioritis.'  Or it could be that the horrid cold I acquired during the first week of classes has drained my stamina.  Whatever the case, I am not starting this year with a bang.  It's rather more of a whining, "Do I have to?"  And my resolved answer to myself is, "Yes, you do."

What is keeping me going this week...

You might think that I would be better at preparing for school, given that I have been doing it for so very long.  But the truth is that each year, each semester, is different.  The first day of school finds every individual in a unique place, like playing pieces on a game board.  We may face obstacles in our path, or be very far from our goal, but we all have to start from where we are if we want to get anywhere.  And that's what I'm telling myself now.  I'm taking stock of how far I've come, what resources I have at my disposal, and what it means to me to finish what I've started.

Talis Colberg, Harlan Harmon, and Grace Valley.

For one thing, I'm grateful for my position as a Student Ambassador, because it puts me in contact with the very people who can encourage and enrich my educational goals.  I am joined by four fabulous new Student Ambassadors this year whom are each starting school from their own unique positions, and with whom I can share experiences and support.  And just the other day I had the privilege of working at the Mat-Su College booth at the State Fair, getting better acquainted with the college Director, Talis Colberg, the Student Services Director, Sandy Gravley, and the Administrative Services Director, Harlan Harmon.  Each wonderfully encouraging and interesting people who make me excited to be a part of this school.

And all of this has come into my life because I first decided to start the journey of a college student.  I started as a non-traditional student, returning to college as a wife and mother, seeking to finish a Bachelor's degree I started in my teens.  I have faced obstacles.  I have felt endlessly far from my goals.  I have questioned my direction, my strategies, and have persevered.  And yet, with each new start of a school year I face the same challenges.  I know every student does.  We all start from where we are and must work hard to get where we are going.  For all those students starting college for the first time this year, I commend you.  For those returning students, I offer you my sincere encouragement to stick with it.  Identify your resources and take advantage of them to keep you going.  And when necessary, rest and have some fun.  There are exceptional experiences awaiting each of you on your educational journey, but only for those who first decide to start.