Comments on: The Dark Place http://blogs.lynn.edu/afreshlook/2008/06/26/the-dark-place/ Just another Blogs.lynn.edu weblog Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:36:50 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Nicole Ovedia http://blogs.lynn.edu/afreshlook/2008/06/26/the-dark-place/comment-page-1/#comment-602 Nicole Ovedia Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:06:05 +0000 http://blogs.lynn.edu/afreshlook/2008/06/26/the-dark-place/#comment-602 I was reading through your blog and noticed that you touched upon one of the most common adjustment issues experienced by students entering college, “Homesickness”. Although it is a temporary feeling for most students, it can cause great difficulty upon arrival, and feel like it will be a permanent problem. Some common symptoms are: excessive crying, physical ailments, negative attitudes, lethargy, fear, anxiety, lack of participation in activities, isolation, and many more. Some of the suggestions mentioned in your blog were great, and I also wanted to add another resource for any students unaware of the counseling services provided at Lynn. The Counseling Center at Lynn routinely deals with these types of issues each year and welcomes anyone who needs to stop by and/or make an appointment. Our contact information follows and please feel free to contact us if a problem arises. Thanks, Nicole Ovedia, Director of Counseling Lynn University TEL: (561) 237-7237, E-mail: novedia@lynn.edu Counseling Center Hours Located in E.M. Lynn Residence Hall Monday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM; Friday 8 AM-5 PM I was reading through your blog and noticed that you touched upon one of the most common adjustment issues experienced by students entering college, “Homesickness”. Although it is a temporary feeling for most students, it can cause great difficulty upon arrival, and feel like it will be a permanent problem. Some common symptoms are: excessive crying, physical ailments, negative attitudes, lethargy, fear, anxiety, lack of participation in activities, isolation, and many more. Some of the suggestions mentioned in your blog were great, and I also wanted to add another resource for any students unaware of the counseling services provided at Lynn. The Counseling Center at Lynn routinely deals with these types of issues each year and welcomes anyone who needs to stop by and/or make an appointment. Our contact information follows and please feel free to contact us if a problem arises.

Thanks,
Nicole Ovedia, Director of Counseling
Lynn University
TEL: (561) 237-7237, E-mail: novedia@lynn.edu

Counseling Center Hours Located in E.M. Lynn Residence Hall
Monday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM; Friday 8 AM-5 PM

]]> By: Ashlea http://blogs.lynn.edu/afreshlook/2008/06/26/the-dark-place/comment-page-1/#comment-600 Ashlea Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:41:05 +0000 http://blogs.lynn.edu/afreshlook/2008/06/26/the-dark-place/#comment-600 The transition from being a high school senior to a college freshman is a challenge for any student. When I moved to Lynn University from Cape Town, South Africa, I found that it took me a few weeks to adjust, however, I found that it was really easy to make friends, because the great thing about being a freshman is that there are roughly 700 other freshman in the same situation! I don't remember ever crying as a freshman, except when I had to say good bye to mom and dad, but everyone deals with situations differently. The great thing about Lynn is that the class sizes are so small, it's almost impossible not to connect and make friends with your classmates. Within the first few days of my freshman year, I already knew most of my peers, where they came from, and what we had in common. I would hate to be a freshman in a larger university, where you're just a number, rather than an individual, and you're a name, rather than a face. I also found that I quickly made friends with the other students on my residence floor. My roommate and myself went around to our neighbors and introduced ourselves. In the cafeteria I found I met a lot of people. Don't feel shy to ask to sit at a stranger's table. I've done it tons of times, and people are always friendly, as they too may be eager to make new friends. I recommend getting involved. That is the best way to make friends and occupy your time, so you don't have time to think about what you may miss about being in the comfort zone of your home. If I think back to myself as a freshman, I cannot believe how quickly I have grown up, and I don't believe that I would be as independent, mature, and confident if I didn't experience those first few weeks as a freshman. Yes, it definitely was a wake-up call, and a much needed one. It's a change having to be independent, but the great thing is that your friends and family are just a phone call away. Lynn also has some great resources, such as the counseling center, and residence life. I was an RA myself, and very often, if I noticed that a freshman was having a tough time, I would go and chat to them, or suggest that they become involved in activities that interest them. You'll be surprised where you can make friends! I think I made the most friends doing my laundry! It's great to know that you're not alone out there! It's a big world, but at Lynn, it's an easy step. There are so many people holding your hand and helping you make the transition. At my graduation recently, all the graduates exited the ceremony along the 'walk of victory', lined by professors and teachers. As I was walking down the aisle I saw the faces of teachers that had held my hand through the tough times, encouraged me to get up and try harder when I faltered, and now were standing there applauding me as I received my degree. I could see how proud they were, and much of what I have achieved I owe to them, and to Lynn University, because quite honestly, I am not sure that another university would have offered me a personalized education, with the encouragement and support that Lynn does. College may be tough at times, and it is expected to be. There are times, as an adult, that I wish I could go back to kindergarten and play in the sand pit and swing on the swings, and not worry about homework or bills (or getting a job). Becoming a college student is much like starting 'big school' after kindergarten. You are going to be nervous, scared, and shy. It's only natural. There are times when you will miss home and your parents too. But, you've got to take that first step. You have to stand up on your own two feet. And eventually Lynn will become your home too, and when you go to visit your parents, you'll miss Lynn as you missed your parents as a freshman. Lynn will become your comfort zone, your support group, and your dorm room will become your home sweet home. The transition from being a high school senior to a college freshman is a challenge for any student. When I moved to Lynn University from Cape Town, South Africa, I found that it took me a few weeks to adjust, however, I found that it was really easy to make friends, because the great thing about being a freshman is that there are roughly 700 other freshman in the same situation!

I don’t remember ever crying as a freshman, except when I had to say good bye to mom and dad, but everyone deals with situations differently.

The great thing about Lynn is that the class sizes are so small, it’s almost impossible not to connect and make friends with your classmates. Within the first few days of my freshman year, I already knew most of my peers, where they came from, and what we had in common. I would hate to be a freshman in a larger university, where you’re just a number, rather than an individual, and you’re a name, rather than a face.

I also found that I quickly made friends with the other students on my residence floor. My roommate and myself went around to our neighbors and introduced ourselves. In the cafeteria I found I met a lot of people. Don’t feel shy to ask to sit at a stranger’s table. I’ve done it tons of times, and people are always friendly, as they too may be eager to make new friends.

I recommend getting involved. That is the best way to make friends and occupy your time, so you don’t have time to think about what you may miss about being in the comfort zone of your home. If I think back to myself as a freshman, I cannot believe how quickly I have grown up, and I don’t believe that I would be as independent, mature, and confident if I didn’t experience those first few weeks as a freshman. Yes, it definitely was a wake-up call, and a much needed one. It’s a change having to be independent, but the great thing is that your friends and family are just a phone call away. Lynn also has some great resources, such as the counseling center, and residence life. I was an RA myself, and very often, if I noticed that a freshman was having a tough time, I would go and chat to them, or suggest that they become involved in activities that interest them. You’ll be surprised where you can make friends! I think I made the most friends doing my laundry!

It’s great to know that you’re not alone out there! It’s a big world, but at Lynn, it’s an easy step. There are so many people holding your hand and helping you make the transition. At my graduation recently, all the graduates exited the ceremony along the ‘walk of victory’, lined by professors and teachers. As I was walking down the aisle I saw the faces of teachers that had held my hand through the tough times, encouraged me to get up and try harder when I faltered, and now were standing there applauding me as I received my degree. I could see how proud they were, and much of what I have achieved I owe to them, and to Lynn University, because quite honestly, I am not sure that another university would have offered me a personalized education, with the encouragement and support that Lynn does.

College may be tough at times, and it is expected to be. There are times, as an adult, that I wish I could go back to kindergarten and play in the sand pit and swing on the swings, and not worry about homework or bills (or getting a job). Becoming a college student is much like starting ‘big school’ after kindergarten. You are going to be nervous, scared, and shy. It’s only natural. There are times when you will miss home and your parents too. But, you’ve got to take that first step. You have to stand up on your own two feet. And eventually Lynn will become your home too, and when you go to visit your parents, you’ll miss Lynn as you missed your parents as a freshman. Lynn will become your comfort zone, your support group, and your dorm room will become your home sweet home.

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