Below is my Year-In-Review experience shared in the form of a letter written to my brother. I had written with the hope of motivating my brother and felt joyful as he was quite moved and inspired.
Dear brother,
How are you? I hope you are doing well in studies and your health is great. Do you remember that during these days of June last year, we were busy applying for my student visa for undergraduate studies in UC? Yes, it has been a year since I departed from India for Cincinnati and have now completed my first year successfully! I am writing to you with the hope to give a fitting picture of my wonderful freshman year.
Time flies fast here at UC. My freshman year began with great anticipation, excitement and a bit nervousness. I was excited because studying in UC was a new start of my life. I was on my own for the first time and was going to meet new people, learn new things and gain novel experiences. But then, I was nervous because of the same reason- I was going to do new things, learn, stumble, manage and progress all on my own! This thought, at times, overwhelmed me. But brother, managing these thoughts is the start to a successful college life. You need to let the excitement affect you more so that you stay zealous and positive but you need to have a little room for nervousness as well to keep you motivated and focused at your goal.
It took me a while to adapt to the newer education system of UC but I was helped by supportive friends and academic advisers. It always gave me a rush when I saw diverse students in my classrooms and dining halls. I have always been an eager and talkative person (you would know that!) and that is why I was able to make many friends from across the globe. I loved asking them about their culture, language and traditions and I loved telling them about my country and origins. Meeting new people and getting involved on campus make college life the best. These notions lead to shape significant experiences and leave one with important lessons and wonderful memories.
I would like to share three significant experiences that happened since I came to UC only because I was open to new experiences, ideas and people.
On October 19th 2013, UC celebrated Homecoming day. This day has given me amazing and unforgettable memories. It was a cloudy , breezy morning when my friend and I joined the crowd to watch the homecoming parade. Oh, before that I shall explain what is homecoming about. Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. Different activities take place like sports events , parading and culture events for students and the alumni. Yes, so getting back at the homecoming day at UC. As soon as the homecoming parade arrived , there was so much excitement and cheering that left everyone enthralled. An interesting turn of events occurred for me as I changed my role from being a 'parade watcher' to being a participant in the parade! As I was cheering the parade, my friend and I were asked to join the UC Cultural Connections club. This club works to bring students from many different backgrounds and cultures to get together and grow together. And so, with hands feeling numb and a constant chilly rain shower in the atmosphere, I waved my country India's flag really high for spectators to watch and to make my country and myself proud. This was the first time I realised I was representing India on a foreign land. I felt more responsible, more accountable about myself. Discerning that my country’s impression lied in my hands, just like the other Indian students studying abroad, I felt more invigorated to perform and thrive in this global world.
Next, I distinctly remember the first snowfall I experienced in UC and how it changed me so vehemently. It was the night of November 11th 2013, when my friends and I were going back to our dorms after completing our calculus homework. As soon as we stepped outdoors, we realised it was snowing as little flakes of snow and ice fell everywhere. I could not believe I was finally experiencing snow. As you can recall, I had always been enthralled by the idea of snowfalls and snow fights- be it in movies or a friend’s vacation-in-Switzerland story. I yearned for feeling the snowflakes disperse on my cheeks and soak in my hair.Now that I have experienced six months of snow, I honestly am not that big a fan as I was but am always thankful to it for motivating me…. Motivating how is what you ask? Well, that night of my first snowfall, I had truly realized that I was living my dream for real. My dream of studying abroad in the United States. My dream of experiencing new cultures and growing with them. My dream of embracing new friendships. My dream of being a global student. My dream of experiencing snowfall. These were my little dreams that were meant to be realised together. I discerned that I had to experience snow with my new best friends in UC and that this dream was just going to get better. I promised myself right then to put more effort and wait for the wonderful opportunities I was yet to receive. I then ran to my friends yelling “happy snow, happy snow!”..
Now a few months later, as the second semester of my freshman year began, I saw myself busy with the application of the University Honors Program (UHP). I remember how I often imagined introducing myself as an Honors student and was excited for the great opportunities UHP had to offer and add to my resume. When I started completing the application form, I got to know I had to write three essays. As much as I loved writing, I dreaded the essays because I didn’t have much time and most importantly, I was conscious about writing well enough to convince the application reviewers about my zeal. So one evening I invited my friend Makda for tasting Indian snacks and subsequently got to know that she was an honors student. I told her about the essay questions and my worries. All she asked me was why exactly did I want to be a part of the UHP. I told her everything - from my ‘imagination’ to my dreams, passions, interests and goals. She said, “Tarushi, you just have to simply write what you told me. You have it in you, you need to be brutally honest about yourself”. Her words changed all my perspectives. I realised to convince readers, your writing should be as passionate as your personality and as personal as your thoughts. If you try impressing people by writing ‘perfectly’ about yourself or the topic, you seem mechanical and impersonal. For someone to view your interests, you need to let them see the real, maybe not-so-perfect you and learn how you cope with failures or obstacles. That day I grew as a writer and penned down my ideas and thoughts realistically. And when I was accepted in UHP, I had become a strong believer of hard work, belief and passionate writing.
These experiences have changed me the most in many ways. I have become more responsible, mature and self-motivated. I have been able to learn from small experiences, reflect and progress. I am a strong believer of dreaming and a stronger believer of turning those dreams into reality. Like I earlier said, time flies fast in here and I have learned to manage it while pursuing my interests and hobbies. I hope you have also noticed I have become a better writer and most definitely, I have become more optimistic and zealous.
Well, the next question is - Now what? I plan to progress with the lessons learned in my freshman year. I feel time management is very important for a successful college life. Hence, I am going to balance studies, exercise and extra curricular activities. Having gained amazing experiences and friends, I want to be more involved on campus. I hope to become a peer tutor for calculus and mentor my fellow students. A piece of advice I would like to give you and myself as I enter into my second year, is never give up your efforts and hope amidst the hectic college life. Remember all is well that ends well and hence it is our responsibility to never let down and make the most out of the best time of our lives- college life.
With this, I take your leave, brother. I hope you enjoyed my letter and learned from my experiences. I cannot wait to see you and spend time together. Hopefully, next year after your high school, I will see you studying in the States as well. Take care and keep up the winning attitude.
Your loving sister,
Tarushi
Dear brother,
How are you? I hope you are doing well in studies and your health is great. Do you remember that during these days of June last year, we were busy applying for my student visa for undergraduate studies in UC? Yes, it has been a year since I departed from India for Cincinnati and have now completed my first year successfully! I am writing to you with the hope to give a fitting picture of my wonderful freshman year.
Time flies fast here at UC. My freshman year began with great anticipation, excitement and a bit nervousness. I was excited because studying in UC was a new start of my life. I was on my own for the first time and was going to meet new people, learn new things and gain novel experiences. But then, I was nervous because of the same reason- I was going to do new things, learn, stumble, manage and progress all on my own! This thought, at times, overwhelmed me. But brother, managing these thoughts is the start to a successful college life. You need to let the excitement affect you more so that you stay zealous and positive but you need to have a little room for nervousness as well to keep you motivated and focused at your goal.
It took me a while to adapt to the newer education system of UC but I was helped by supportive friends and academic advisers. It always gave me a rush when I saw diverse students in my classrooms and dining halls. I have always been an eager and talkative person (you would know that!) and that is why I was able to make many friends from across the globe. I loved asking them about their culture, language and traditions and I loved telling them about my country and origins. Meeting new people and getting involved on campus make college life the best. These notions lead to shape significant experiences and leave one with important lessons and wonderful memories.
I would like to share three significant experiences that happened since I came to UC only because I was open to new experiences, ideas and people.
On October 19th 2013, UC celebrated Homecoming day. This day has given me amazing and unforgettable memories. It was a cloudy , breezy morning when my friend and I joined the crowd to watch the homecoming parade. Oh, before that I shall explain what is homecoming about. Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. Different activities take place like sports events , parading and culture events for students and the alumni. Yes, so getting back at the homecoming day at UC. As soon as the homecoming parade arrived , there was so much excitement and cheering that left everyone enthralled. An interesting turn of events occurred for me as I changed my role from being a 'parade watcher' to being a participant in the parade! As I was cheering the parade, my friend and I were asked to join the UC Cultural Connections club. This club works to bring students from many different backgrounds and cultures to get together and grow together. And so, with hands feeling numb and a constant chilly rain shower in the atmosphere, I waved my country India's flag really high for spectators to watch and to make my country and myself proud. This was the first time I realised I was representing India on a foreign land. I felt more responsible, more accountable about myself. Discerning that my country’s impression lied in my hands, just like the other Indian students studying abroad, I felt more invigorated to perform and thrive in this global world.
Next, I distinctly remember the first snowfall I experienced in UC and how it changed me so vehemently. It was the night of November 11th 2013, when my friends and I were going back to our dorms after completing our calculus homework. As soon as we stepped outdoors, we realised it was snowing as little flakes of snow and ice fell everywhere. I could not believe I was finally experiencing snow. As you can recall, I had always been enthralled by the idea of snowfalls and snow fights- be it in movies or a friend’s vacation-in-Switzerland story. I yearned for feeling the snowflakes disperse on my cheeks and soak in my hair.Now that I have experienced six months of snow, I honestly am not that big a fan as I was but am always thankful to it for motivating me…. Motivating how is what you ask? Well, that night of my first snowfall, I had truly realized that I was living my dream for real. My dream of studying abroad in the United States. My dream of experiencing new cultures and growing with them. My dream of embracing new friendships. My dream of being a global student. My dream of experiencing snowfall. These were my little dreams that were meant to be realised together. I discerned that I had to experience snow with my new best friends in UC and that this dream was just going to get better. I promised myself right then to put more effort and wait for the wonderful opportunities I was yet to receive. I then ran to my friends yelling “happy snow, happy snow!”..
Now a few months later, as the second semester of my freshman year began, I saw myself busy with the application of the University Honors Program (UHP). I remember how I often imagined introducing myself as an Honors student and was excited for the great opportunities UHP had to offer and add to my resume. When I started completing the application form, I got to know I had to write three essays. As much as I loved writing, I dreaded the essays because I didn’t have much time and most importantly, I was conscious about writing well enough to convince the application reviewers about my zeal. So one evening I invited my friend Makda for tasting Indian snacks and subsequently got to know that she was an honors student. I told her about the essay questions and my worries. All she asked me was why exactly did I want to be a part of the UHP. I told her everything - from my ‘imagination’ to my dreams, passions, interests and goals. She said, “Tarushi, you just have to simply write what you told me. You have it in you, you need to be brutally honest about yourself”. Her words changed all my perspectives. I realised to convince readers, your writing should be as passionate as your personality and as personal as your thoughts. If you try impressing people by writing ‘perfectly’ about yourself or the topic, you seem mechanical and impersonal. For someone to view your interests, you need to let them see the real, maybe not-so-perfect you and learn how you cope with failures or obstacles. That day I grew as a writer and penned down my ideas and thoughts realistically. And when I was accepted in UHP, I had become a strong believer of hard work, belief and passionate writing.
These experiences have changed me the most in many ways. I have become more responsible, mature and self-motivated. I have been able to learn from small experiences, reflect and progress. I am a strong believer of dreaming and a stronger believer of turning those dreams into reality. Like I earlier said, time flies fast in here and I have learned to manage it while pursuing my interests and hobbies. I hope you have also noticed I have become a better writer and most definitely, I have become more optimistic and zealous.
Well, the next question is - Now what? I plan to progress with the lessons learned in my freshman year. I feel time management is very important for a successful college life. Hence, I am going to balance studies, exercise and extra curricular activities. Having gained amazing experiences and friends, I want to be more involved on campus. I hope to become a peer tutor for calculus and mentor my fellow students. A piece of advice I would like to give you and myself as I enter into my second year, is never give up your efforts and hope amidst the hectic college life. Remember all is well that ends well and hence it is our responsibility to never let down and make the most out of the best time of our lives- college life.
With this, I take your leave, brother. I hope you enjoyed my letter and learned from my experiences. I cannot wait to see you and spend time together. Hopefully, next year after your high school, I will see you studying in the States as well. Take care and keep up the winning attitude.
Your loving sister,
Tarushi