I’m six days away from my long journey to Ithaca. What I am feeling right now is totally different from four months ago, when I first received my admission package from Cornell.
I screamed out with exhilaration when I saw the big “Congratulations” on my laptop screen. The moment, for me, was bittersweet. It seemed that my efforts for the past eighteen years finally paid off. For the following three months, swamped with tons of school news and information, I pictured my ideal college life, perhaps somewhat unrealistically.
After browsing the course list on website, I planned on taking as many intriguing courses as possible, taking full advantage of college resources; I dreamed of joining clubs related to swimming, chorus, community service, tennis, as well as public speaking, and of being an active member in student government. Creating a calligraphy club is also on the top of my to-do-list; I scrutinized every booklet in my orientation package and carefully scheduled my orientation week down to every minute.
However, the pure excitement did not last long. With fewer days left in Beijing, what followed were uncertainty, anxiety, and nervousness. I became more and more realistic and began worrying about the details. Am I going to get used to an American lifestyle? Will I get enough time to have meals and a good night sleep everyday? Will I be able to handle my workload with poise? I questioned myself day after day. At the same time, I was busy having farewell dinner with all kinds of people: my classmates from kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school; my relatives from Beijing and Hebei; my teachers and mentors, etc. Those catch-ups and farewells only made me more sentimental. I would weep at a movie, my diary, and even with a look at my parents.
Today, with my last farewell party finished, I began to sum my emotions up. Past is past. All those blessings and wishes are now impetuses for me to look forward and move on with confidence. There is always a turning point where people truly grow, inside and out. Here comes my time to be strong and independent.
If there is one piece of advice I would give to myself, it would be just to be myself. In an elite university like Cornell, where we are surrounded by countless great minds, it is easy to get lost and question ourselves. So what I need to do is knowing who I am and what I want, and then stick to it. I should also have my own principle in terms of partying and social life. Last but not least, show my passions and talents confidently to others, knowing that everyone is unique.