Baby StepsI remember seeing the college campus on move-in day. The golden, jubilant sun illuminated the ripe foliage of early August and shone in shimmering ribbons on the welcoming lawn. Adjacent to the grass, the graceful fountain floated in the center of the jade green pond, spouting jets of crystal clear water. The jets of water from the fountain created a gentle ripple that flowed over the otherwise calm water of the pond and filled the surroundings with a soothing roar. Circling the pond and branching off in other directions, sandstone-paved walkways resembled bronze-trimmed streets and led to tall buildings in the distance. Enthusiasm and opportunities were pending; I felt like I couldn't open my eyes enough to absorb my new surroundings. The college campus was a miniature world and I was its new citizen. Interestingly, forty days later, I have the same feeling of excitement and curiosity as the first day. College, like life itself, is a lifelong learning experience. During my forty days as a student, I learned many important lessons. Being alone, I learned to be motivated. Perhaps the most important aspect of higher education is the level freedom afforded to students. However, the freedom to make choices can often feel like a crushing burden rather than a deserved joy. Unlike 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 sensation of doubt, coupled with the academic disease of procrastination, makes it easier to avoid making decisions. To overcome my self-doubt, I reframed my p...... middle of paper ......o how I felt when I first arrived at university, I feel that university is an institution of opportunity and personal growth. During my forty days as a freshman in college, I learned many valuable lessons that apply both inside and outside of the classroom. In just a few weeks, I learned to work with enthusiasm and consistency. I learned to set goals and have a realistic and organized plan that will allow me to achieve them. I have gained an increased appreciation for my family and my life outside of school. However, while these early lessons are important to my current and future success, these realizations are only the foundations of what I will discover about myself and the university in the future. Throughout my four-year college career, I will continue to learn and become a better, more informed person..