As I near the end of my first semester at the University of Vermont, reflecting on this journey feels like flipping through a slideshow of personal growth, both socially and academically. The switch from a small hometown to a larger university initially stirred concerns for me about finding my niche, yet those worries faded as I realized we were all embarking on this new chapter together. Engaging in clubs, bonding with people in my classes and around campus, quickly allowed me to shatter my shell, resulting in friendships that now span across the country. Academically, adapting to the different teaching styles posed challenges. My preference for visual and interactive learning clashed with lecture-heavy classes. However, determined not to fall behind, I sought guidance from my professors during office hours, spent many hours in libraries and coffee shops, and even formed study groups with classmates. This proactive approach transformed once-daunting subjects into more comprehensible material. Burlington's community has also been an unexpected wellspring of inspiration. Here, many individuals and groups passionately champion various causes, from environmental activism to social justice initiatives. As a Political Science major, witnessing this dynamic landscape has been an eye-opening experience - a front-row seat to the evolution of politics within a community. The unwavering support from MVYouth has been incredibly valuable in helping me find my footing at UVM. With this fall semester coming to a close, I now anticipate this next phase of my university journey. I'm eager to dive deeper into more creative courses, engage further with my new vibrant community, and foster more meaningful connections that will continue to shape this exciting new chapter of my life.