During my initial day of college, I was amazed by the fresh and extraordinary experience. Before this, I had contemplated the differences between high school and college classes. One aspect that fascinated me was the mandatory study material for earning credit and the assignments we would receive. The shift from high school to college unsettled me, leading to some nervousness as I entered the building and encountered many unfamiliar faces. What surprised me was that our schedule included classes throughout the whole day, with lecture halls capable of accommodating around 150 students.
When I arrived early for my first class, I had two objectives: finding a seat close to the teacher and using my recording equipment to capture the lecture while also engaging with fellow classmates. Fortunately, I recognized some familiar faces from high school, which helped alleviate any anxiety and greatly enhanced my overall learning experience. However, there was one aspect that caught me off guard – unlike in high school where a strict dress code was enforced, college students have complete freedom in choosing their attire. The only stipulation is the mandatory requirement of carrying an ID card at all times on campus; failure to comply with this rule will result in being denied access to class – a sharp contrast from what I was accustomed to during my time in high school.
Regarding this matter, the college has divided the morning into two 2-hour sections. During the 15-minute break, I took the opportunity to go to my next class and attempted to form new connections with fellow students. After completing the morning session, I remained at the college and shared a meal with my classmates. As many of them hail from various provinces in Cambodia, we had ample topics for discussion. Following lunch, we proceeded to the library in search of specific documents.
At one o’clock in the afternoon, the class resumed, providing us with a platform to exchange ideas regarding our complex lesson. Since we had already acquainted ourselves with each other, this further enhanced the experience. My initial day at college was truly remarkable as I formed numerous friendships with outstanding students who excel academically. I am confident that college will prove to be an extraordinary journey where I will acquire extensive knowledge within this incredible environment. Ultimately, my aspiration is for the knowledge gained here to positively impact my future.