Confessions of a college freshman

There's dread and there's hope. The most irrational thoughts pass through Safiya Salim's mind as she prepares for her first day in college.

The moment has finally arrived… after five whole months of doing absolutely nothing - it's true, other than annoying my folks I haven't done anything constructive after high school.

They will probably kill me when they read this. But hey, that's just the fact! I guess my parents will be the happiest when I go to university! Summer was killing and if I am anything right now, I'm all set for college.

This is perhaps the longest break I've ever had in 12 years, and get this, to all those of you who wish for months of holidays together, careful what you ask for, you have no idea how lucky you are to be working, even if it means being at school and snoozing through an extremely dull and exhausting economics lecture!

Clueless

Now, doesn't that seem reason enough to be looking forward to college? But, am I really up for it?

I am as clueless as any freshman would be! I don't know why. I am aware that ragging is not allowed on campuses here. I know it's absurd but you can't help but think of the most bizarre things happening?

For instance, tell me why should I even bother wondering about whether the students at college are fashion conscious or not? Seriously, does it even matter? But, I guess these are thoughts you just can't avoid.

I even considered, with some trepidation, that I might run into some old school girls - or on a more positive note a few friends from school.

That doesn't seem so impractical - someone or the other from school is bound to end up in the same college as you.

Just pray it's not your nemesis! There you go, another crazy thought!

I guess I better stop at that one; you don't want me to go any further!

Anyway, apart from all these inane and irrational ideas, I wish to have a good time and term at college and hopefully be able to fulfill my aspirations of becoming a journalist some day. After all that's the very 'raison d'être' we attend college, right?

ORIENTATION DAY

It's great when you are in high school, you've got friends and people around, whom you've probably known all your life, but well, as they say all good things come to an end, and finally, you are out of school, to make a new beginning.

It seems like the world has come to a stop, and everyone's waiting for you to make the next move.

Apprehensions

Getting into college is one of the most anticipated events of a student's life.

However, associated with it are so many feelings only a freshman can identify with - feelings of fear and anxiousness, of nervousness and apprehension, hopes and aspirations, expectations and opportunities …. To make all this seem less appalling, every college organises an Orientation Day programme to welcome its new students.

The purpose

"The purpose of orientation is to introduce and familiarise new students with the college as well as to assist them make a smooth transition from high school to college," said Ursula Seifert, dean of Student Services at the American College of Dubai (ACD). "There is a big difference between the high school and college environment; students need help to adjust to this challenging new environment."

Programme highlights

The New Student Orientation at ACD is a formal affair. It provides information on ACD's academic programmes, policies and procedures, academic and social expectations, extracurricular activities, learning resources, student services, campus facilities and other information.

The programme includes a welcome address by ACD's president, William O'Brien, an introduction of key staff members (e.g. deans, counsellors, librarians, sports and student activity coordinators, etc.) as well as Student Council members and club heads.

Questions and answers

There is also a question and answer session and each student receives a package containing a student handbook, transfer student handbook, study skills materials etc.

Campus tour

The Student Council takes new students on a tour of the college. It ends with a reception for new students with their seniors in the cafeteria.

All students are assigned their own faculty adviser to help them with both academic and personal issues during their college stay.

TIPS FROM SENIORS

"The student body is very friendly, so freshmen have absolutely nothing to fear and worry about; the faculty is great and the professors are always there to help you out whenever you need anything, so have fun as these are the best days of your life; I'd like to wish all the new students the very best of luck!"
- Sheryl Coutinho, business student

"I think it is most important to be yourself in order to be comfortable in any environment; so as long as you don't adopt any new image, I guess you'll be fine wherever you go."
- Shruthi Rameshan, psychology student

"Welcome to ACD, a college that will prepare you to be a leader and help you in achieving your dreams, your way!"
- Niladri Mondal, former president of the Student Council and marketing and management student

- The writer is a student of the American College of Dubai.