My First Semester In Review

Hi Readers,

    I know you haven’t heard from me all semester so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Imani and I am the Oxford College of Emory University freshman blogger. I’m currently on winter break but I must admit, I cannot stop thinking about Oxford! College has become such a huge part of my life and I love it! I can’t believe I halfway done with my first year :D

    As I type (and as you read) I am only three days away from returning to school after a long and well deserved hiatus. This semester has been so eventful and exciting! It seems like just yesterday that I was freaking out about my first semester and wondering what college would be like.  Now I’m steadily approaching my second semester of classes and the beginning of my sophomore year. I guess it’s true what they say: time does fly when you’re having fun. I’m feeling very well adjusted and ready to go back.

I won’t lie; college can be extremely stressful. Still, rest assured that Oxford has made the entire journey a lot of fun for me and my peers. For example, during finals week when everyone is pulling their hair out over exams, Oxford’s wonderful staff (including our deans) made us a huge pancake breakfast featuring superheroes. I had never heard of such but I loved it. We also had a fall formal at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta in early December. My friends and I had a blast there too.  Dooley, the spirit of Oxford even made an appearance—body guards and coffin in tow. In addition to that there was delicious food and dancing. It was an all around good time. Another exciting event occurred when we first arrived on campus in late August. The school hosted Oxford Olympics, during which teams from each residence hall would compete in challenges such as tug-of-war and an inflatable obstacle course for the title of champion! My hall didn’t win but I will never forget that night; the school spirit was contagious.

Another aspect of the Oxford experience that I really appreciate is the close-knit quality of the entire campus.  The teachers are very personable and openly encourage you to take advantage of their office hours to discuss and difficulties you may be having. My advisor actually scolded me for not visiting him more often : P. The teachers are genuinely concerned about your academic and personal well being and it shows. Even the maintenance workers, receptionists, and cafeteria personnel are friendly and warm. I’ve actually eaten dinner in the homes of some Oxford staff with their families. Nothing about the campus seems cold impersonal and I truly value that feature in Oxford.

A final piece of Oxford that I love (there are so many) is the history. As the birthplace of Emory University and Georgia Tech (yep, Tech too) the entire campus is historic. Each building on campus tells a story—some of which date back to the 1800’s. Just a few steps behind the gym and the library is a Civil War cemetery that some friends and I visited one night with sophomores. It was a little spooky but mostly awe-inspiring. I discovered at that moment that I’m attending an interactive museum of sorts for college; we learn and study in original buildings. The rustic charm and historic elegance of the campus just can’t be ignored.

Overall, my experiences during my first semester have been largely positive. Oxford has made a great impression on me thus far and I can only hope that these upcoming semesters will be just as brilliant if not better!

'Til Next Time,

Imani :)