When I began my college career, I knew as little about the UCLA experience as I did about the Russian language. I knew nothing.
While I was able to take Russian language classes this past year, I could not just enroll in classes that taught me how to take advantage of UCLA and its opportunities. I had to throw myself out there, learn from my mistakes and heed the advice of others.
Having been raised in Northern California, I found that the differences in everyday life and vast distance between SoCal and NorCal played a “hella” big part in my attraction to Los Angeles.
I wanted to go far, get away and find myself. UCLA had been my No. 1 choice, and when my appeal came back granting my highly desired acceptance, I promptly sent in my statement of intent to register.
However, the fact that I was let in on an appeal created my first set of doubts.
I wasn’t sure if I fit in here. If I was meant to be a UCLA student, then why didn’t I get in the first time? I began questioning my academic abilities and became very nervous.
I realized later in my first quarter that these doubts were shared by most first-year students. I needed confidence in myself not only to be able to do well academically, but also to push myself to get involved and meet people.
It was with that confidence that I began to make friends in the marching band.
For me, band was a comfortable community, and I met many of my friends through it. It was nice having that cozy feeling, and I know now that one of the best things about joining band was putting myself in a position where I could meet upperclassmen.
I quickly discovered that, in college, unlike in high school, classes weren’t the best way to meet people. By joining band, an activity I have been involved in since the fourth grade, I found many people with similar interests.
At the same time, I realized that it would be easy to get swept up in one thing. Getting out of your comfort zone is something that is important to do.
I tried adventuring into new things ““ with limits, of course ““ which brought about extremely awkward situations. But it’s from these awkward situations that I’ve had my most fun this past year.
In one year, I have found a group of people with whom I love spending my time. I believe it when people say that you make your best friends in college. The college experience is unique for everyone, but it is your attitude that shapes it.
Attitude is a decision, and with the right attitude, all the hard times during college can be seen as time well spent.
I had an incredible yet challenging year, and I believe everyone’s first year of college comes with many hardships. But overcoming the hardships helps you to define yourself and will leave you feeling rewarded.
When compared to other schools, UCLA offers so much more than just academics. That was my biggest realization during my first year. But, of course, Russian classes have been great, which was just icing on the cake.
Otto is a second-year German and global studies student.