As the second week of the semester comes to a close, I would like to take some time to reflect on my first few weeks here as a new Hawkeye at the University of Iowa. As someone who struggles with change, my time here so far has been far from perfect. There’s been ups and downs, and definitely a rollercoaster of emotions, but I can say that the University of Iowa is a beautiful place to be. Finding your way around can definitely be a bit nerve-racking, especially in the first few days of classes. Pro tip: don’t be like me and not walk your classes before they actually start. After a few days, you do start to get into a routine, and the campus starts to feel a lot smaller than it seemed. I would recommend trying to take any opportunities you can. Do everything during welcome week, knock on your neighbors’ doors, go up to random people and meet them, truly get out of your comfort zone, because that’s when you meet the best people and have the most fun. Even if you feel it might be “too late” to try to meet new people and make new friends, that’s simply not true. Everyone is in the same position or has been in the same position that you are currently in. I can already feel that freshman year is going to go by in the blink of an eye, so I am doing everything I can to make the most of it. I’m only a few weeks in, but I can already tell this year is going to challenge me in the best ways. I’m excited to make new connections, go to all the Hawkeye sports games, and continue to find my place here at Iowa. I’m so grateful to be on this journey, and I can’t wait to take all of you with me through it.