Freshman Year Reflection

05/01/202505/06/2025

Bella-

Freshman year at Bridgewater State felt like a beautiful, yet chaotic mess. For roughly nine months, I experienced firsthand what it was like to be fully independent and aware of how college truly is, especially when comparing it to the expectations I had originally going into it. I love Bridgewater State–genuinely, I do.

One of the best aspects of my freshman year was the plethora of opportunities I was given instantly, simply from being a student here. From the clubs to the student employment available, to even the classes that I was taking–I am currently hosting events and running projects that I never thought I could be capable of doing.

Being away from home was terrifying–overwhelmingly terrifying at times. However, that overwhelmingly scary feeling of the unknown was slowly diluted throughout the months, for what was originally unpredictable became tangible with time. It became digestible–through the people around me and the mistakes I made along the way.

Since August when I first arrived, I have become more empathic, confident, independent, and aware of the world around me, and for that I am eternally grateful for my freshman year here at Bridgewater State. Overall, if all of this has only happened to me in my freshman year, I cannot wait to see what’s in store for me in the next few years. I don’t think I would want to change a thing from this experience, and I am so excited to see what is in my future.

Ashley-

Freshman year was nothing like I expected. In both good, and maybe some rough aspects. This was my first experience away from home, even if I do only live an hour away. From a new living situation, to a new normal, going to college was what I needed to flourish as a person. Before coming to campus, I was timid, and nervous for what the future would hold for me. I am most grateful for Bridgewater as it has given me connections I hope will last beyond my undergrad. While learning to adapt on my own, the friendships I’ve made over the last few months have helped me find my identity along the way. From them, I have learned my boundaries as a person, and a sense of comfort, while being in an unknown environment.

With the resources and opportunities provided by Bridgewater, such as the plethora of clubs and major-based organizations, it has provided me with what I need to create the most out of college living. With making connections to my peers, to resume building, Bridgewater offers everything I have needed to be successful in my undergraduate experience.

I wouldn’t change anything about my time in college so far, and am excited to see how my years at Bridgewater will look moving forward.