Baby StepsI remember seeing the college campus on move-in day. The jubilant, golden sun illuminated the mature foliage of early August and shone in glittering ribbons across the inviting grassy lawn. Adjacent to the grass, the graceful fountain floated in the center of the jade green pond, belching out crystal-clear streams. The fountain's jets of water created a gentle ripple that cascaded over the otherwise still water of the pond and filled the surrounding area with a soothing rumble. Surrounding the pond and branching off in other directions, sandstone-paved walkways appeared like streets adorned with bronze and led to grand buildings in the distance. Excitement and opportunity were in the air; I felt like I couldn't open my eyes enough to absorb the new environment. The college campus was a miniature world and I was its newest citizen. Interestingly, after a full forty days, I feel the same feeling of excitement and curiosity that I had on the first day. College, like life itself, is a continuous learning experience. In my forty days as a college student, I have learned many important lessons. Being alone, I learned to be motivated. Perhaps the most important aspect of higher education is the level of freedom offered to college students. However, the freedom to make choices can often be an overwhelming burden instead of a deserved joy. In extreme contrast to high school, I was not only allowed, but expected, to make choices for myself. I quickly realized that the decisions I make in college will, in many ways, determine my future. Yet, the paralyzing feeling of doubt, combined with the academic disease of procrastination, makes it easier to avoid making decisions. To conquer my self-doubt, I rephrased my p...... middle of paper ...... or how I felt when I first got to college, I feel like college was an institution of opportunity and personal growth. In my forty days as a college freshman, I have learned many valuable lessons that apply both inside and outside of the classroom. In a few weeks I learned to work with enthusiasm and consistency. I have learned to set goals and have an organized realistic plan that will allow me to achieve them. I have gained a greater appreciation for my family and life outside of school. However, despite the fact that these initial lessons are important to my current and future success, these realizations are simply the foundation of what I will discover about myself and the university in the future. Throughout all four years of my college career, I will continue to learn and transform myself into a better, more informed person.