By: Luke Bertaux
Going into my first semester of college, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I would be moving to a different state, going to a college where I didn’t know anyone and turning down acceptances to many other universities across the United States – hoping I had made the right decision to attend The University of Tulsa.
Observing other students during orientation and the first few weeks of classes, it was obvious that many other freshmen felt this same uneasiness. However, despite all the new and unfamiliar experiences I was having, I found comfort in knowing I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. Everybody was adjusting to the college lifestyle and figuring out how they best fit into the wider context of TU.
Getting involved on campus
Now that I have finished my first semester, I am confident that TU will be my home for the next few years. I am happy with all the involvement I had on campus even though it was only my first semester, including being a CSAS tutor, a member of the Global Scholars Executive Committee, treasurer of Hardesty Hall Government, a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma and a member of the Williams Student Services Center work-study team. Campus involvement has been a fundamental part of my first semester, and it has helped me form strong relationships with students and faculty while opening up unique opportunities for personal growth.
Throughout my first semester, I have enjoyed going to Hurricane Thursdays, which are special events put on by the residence life staff every Thursday during the fall. This has been another opportunity to meet new people and try new things. At a recent Hurricane Thursday, TU helped us get off campus by giving us free tickets to Winterfest in downtown Tulsa, which is a big ice-skating rink by the BOK Center.
Feeling fulfilled
My expectations for my first semester were unclear. Yet, I feel a robust sense of fulfillment and I can’t think of many ways that could have made my first semester better.
This semester has been full of adjustment: adjustment to living on my own, adjustment to dorm life and adjustment to Tulsa, OK. My initial uneasiness was inevitable, but now I am learning to appreciate every study group, friendship, club meeting and relationship with my professors and advisers so that I leave nothing behind.
As clichéd as it may sound, college is like a rollercoaster that can take you in every direction possible. But it is a great opportunity to learn about your own aspirations, no matter the hurdles and hardships you face along the path you choose to take.
Luke Bertaux is a freshman at The University of Tulsa pursuing a dual degree with majors in International Business and Spanish. He is from Keller, Texas, and in his free time he enjoys running and performing music.
