The moment I stepped into the University of Rochester again, all the images that I had stored in my mind from my previous visit hit me: the welcoming that I had been received with in February around the time that I had my interview; the manner of the people who were there in Admissions and around campus. Despite the fact that the University of Rochester is one of the best universities in America and one of the major research universities, their down-to-earth behavior makes them much more than just falling into these terms. I think this is what distinguishes it the most: the humbleness and the kindness of its people who create this magnificent atmosphere. I contacted many colleges and saw how they responded. The University of Rochester always put the right people in the right place. With this in the back of my mind, I got through my first month at Rochester with ease, because if anything went wrong, I know that there are people that would jump in to help and fill the gaps that I might have along this journey.
The first month is done, and the second is almost done too. I think that I am figuring everything out, as are all of us freshmen, as far as I know. “Taking it step by step,” this is what I tell myself all the time.
So: knowing where to eat and where to hang out, where to study and where to hide out from your surroundings, knowing what each building is, and what each building represents. . . . I think I can say that I am—we are!—on our way to being part of the community of the University of Rochester for real.
With much love and respect!
Peace,
Sarah AK Ahmed