My Journey at Wesleyan University
Reflecting on my journey through Wesleyan University, it’s clear how each year has brought more responsibilities and challenges that have shaped my personal and academic growth. When I first arrived, I lived in a dorm with a roommate, which felt like a soft introduction to independence. Then, I was put in a small communal house called a program house here at Wesleyan. I did not choose to be in, so getting used to it felt different than staying in the dorm. While my roommate and I had our own room, the responsibility to maintain the house and navigate communal living was shared.
Communal to Independent Living Responsibilities
Fast forward to now, living in a house with roommates, the dynamic is completely different. There’s a greater sense of ownership and responsibility not just for my personal space but for the entire house. We coordinate tasks like doing the dishes, bringing the trash cans to the street for pick up, vacuuming, and sweeping the main rooms to keep the spaces functional and welcoming for everyone. Small but significant moments, like needing to get my key replaced through Res Life or calling Wesleyan physical plant to put in a work order for the house, remind me how adult-like responsibilities have crept into my life over time. It’s about more than just handling academic and athletic responsibilities but also managing the day-to-day logistics of living independently.
Academic to Professional Responsibilities
Academically, I’ve also felt the weight of increased responsibilities. For example, meeting with my major advisors was pivotal in my academic journey. It wasn’t just a casual check-in; this meeting required preparation, thought, and a clear sense of direction about what goals I wanted to accomplish at Wesleyan.
My interactions with the Gordon Career Center further exemplified this shift. I went from being a student-focused on assignments to someone actively planning for the future. Getting my resume reviewed and writing a cover letter template were essential steps in transitioning from the academic world to a professional one.
These experiences living with roommates, handling personal tasks like key replacement and house management, and preparing for post-graduation life reflect the increasing responsibility I’ve taken on during my time at Wesleyan. These moments have pushed me to be more self-sufficient, organized, and forward-thinking. As I continue on this path, I realize these skills and experiences will shape my life beyond the university.
