Student Stories: The Freshman Experience
This semester has been challenging in a multitude of ways. People say, “Keep it up” or my favorite phrase, “you’re living through history right now!” As true as that may be, it doesn’t take away from the difficulties this unforeseen virus has brought to our world. As a freshman living in the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a mix of emotions about the new life, and also new limitations and guidelines, I am experiencing.
When I first started at Hope, I was overjoyed to be on campus and that remains true to this day after seeing how many schools have been shut down. However, I have encountered academic struggles, homesickness, and limited opportunities to get to know people. This semester is shorter, but the workload remains normal. Extra time spent doing online work keeps me pent up in my room more than I enjoy. Homesickness has also been more prominent as the lack of breaks means more days between seeing my family and friends back home. Lastly, it is hard to meet people outside of my dorm building. I am a social butterfly, even still spreading my wings to other communities proves difficult with masks and the 6 ft. distance rule.
Upon joining Hope Catholics, I have found a true community with people who challenge me to look on the bright side and focus my attention on those things greater than evil. I have found a church and home with people who hold the same core beliefs that I do. I have had opportunities to join a Bible study, participate in a women's group, go to Mass, receive guidance in my faith and life, and hang out with genuine individuals. I can’t wait to see everything else I will experience with these new friends. No matter the struggles, I know relationships will always remain. I believe the book of Romans sums it up best when it reads, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
Katherine is a freshman from Chesterfield, MO. It may be too soon to be sure, but she is planning to major in Religion and Psychology. Fun fact: Katherine is a blackbelt in taekwando!