The independent student newspaper at Goucher College

A First-Year’s Reflection on the First Semester

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As the fall semester is making its way to a close, we can look back on the many memories created and new friendships made. 

From the Class of 2026 arriving on campus move-in day, loading their luggage into their new homes, to now, this year had some fun and challenging courses, and sporting events with epic endings. 

That moment when we moved into the First-Year Village was the beginning of a new chapter for our lives. It was a formative time for friendships– to start anew or grow old ones. Looking back,  the very first night I stayed in the dorm felt completely different. I was talking to my roommate about how different it was to be in a dorm, sleeping in another bed. Now, as we are ending the first semester, I can’t wait to go home to my own bed. 

I’ll admit that when I came to Goucher for move-in day, I was super scared and excited at the same time. But by the afternoon I met other students, and I started to feel safe and like I belonged here. It took some time to find my friends, but when I did, I knew that they are my new friends who I will spend most of my time with. 

From all the orientation events leading up to classes to midterm week, I can say that I had quite a lot of fun in college, even while studying at the last minute to try to memorize everything in my French class.

As someone on the Goucher swim team, I found being a part of this team is like joining a family. Everyone is super welcoming and caring for every teammate. I bet it is like this for the other sports teams as well, and I hope that the other first-year athletes found the same or similar community as I did being on a team. 

After completing my first official swimming meet at Goucher to our first home meet, I am super excited for the Landmark Conference Championship meet in February. I love seeing everyone supporting us as we swim our best times. 

As we move into the second semester of college, I can’t wait to attend more of the home sporting events and see what other new activities Goucher has planned out for us as first-year students.

Alana (she/her) is a first-year Staff Writer at The Quindecim. Her major is currently undecided, but she is considering Communication and Media Studies. Alana is from Bronx, New York and is a graduate of Frank McCourt High School. She is a member of Goucher's varsity swim team. When she's not in the pool or studying, she enjoys listening to music and watching Netflix.

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