Every fall, Benjamin graduates step into the next chapter of their lives at colleges and universities across the country. Two recent alumni from the Class of 2025, Calvin Poncy, a freshman at the University of Miami, and Natasha Yedinak, a freshman at Louisiana State University, shared their experiences of the first weeks of college.
Adapting to New Routines
Poncy explained that the adjustment to college life came easier than he expected.
“The transition was pretty easy because high school really taught me how to manage time, and also the other students are very open, allowing me to create great connections,” Poncy noted.
Yedinak also found her transition to college to be smoother than expected, particularly in terms of her academic progress.
“The transition from high school to college has been extremely easy. To me, all of my classes are relatively easy, and I’m not having trouble getting any of my work done,” Yedinak conveyed.
Move-In Experience
Move-in day had its challenges. Poncy described how setting up his space was not a one-time process but an ongoing one.
“Setting everything up where it best fits my daily routine [was a challenge] because you have to move a lot of things around as you settle in for it to be the most efficient.”
For Yedinak, the most challenging part of moving in was not about unpacking but about leaving behind the people she cared about most.
“I would say the most challenging part about moving in was leaving behind my friends and family. I’ve obviously built a strong connection with them, and to leave them all behind was very difficult for me,” Yedinak said.
Balancing Work and Fun
Poncy admitted that his major, architecture, has already shown him how heavy the workload can be, but he’s found a way to keep it under control.
“Balancing academics and social life as an architecture student is challenging due to the large workload,” Poncy expressed. “But I tend to get everything done during the week so that I can have fun on the weekends.”
Yedinak explained that while living in an on-campus apartment has given her independence, it has also made adjusting to free time and meeting people more challenging.
“I wish I had known the layout of the school better before moving in,” Yedinak communicated. “While I love living in an apartment, it is a lot harder to meet people, make friends, and it’s not close to many academic buildings or UREC.”
Finding The Right Community
That balance for Poncy, though, has already allowed him to enjoy some unforgettable experiences.
“The best moments in college were either going to a football game and tailgating, just hanging around South Beach, or going to the Bahamas with my suitemates and other people on my floor,” Poncy said.
Yedinak has thrown herself into the spirit of her school. She has already attended football games, concerts, and other events for which LSU is known.
“The games themselves are super exciting, from the hours of tailgating beforehand to the actual game, which is like a whole other world. LSU’s fans are unlike any other fanbase, and Tiger Stadium is known to be one of the hardest stadiums to play in,” Yedinak said.
Yedinak also joined LSU’s club soccer team, which has become one of the highlights of her experience so far.
“My favorite moment would be winning our first soccer game,” Yedinak said. “We were away at Baylor, and that entire weekend has just been my favorite. I got to learn more about the girls on my team, and we are closer because of it.”
Unexpected Moments Along the Way
There have also been unexpected challenges. Yedinak was disappointed when her scooter was stolen from campus, and she also mentioned that it was a frustrating but memorable part of her early weeks at LSU.
“Unfortunately, this is not funny, but my scooter got stolen from campus. Yes, I am the weirdo on the scooter, but I promise I need it to get to class on time,” Yedinak said.
Feeling Like Home
Looking back, Poncy said he wishes he had known just how demanding his major would be; however, he feels entirely at home overall.
“I am really happy with my choice at Miami, and I truly feel like I belong here,” Poncy declared.
Despite ups and downs, Yedinak feels that LSU is where she’s meant to be.
“Overall, I think I made the right school choice. So far, I love LSU and everything it has to offer. Between the weather, sports, and academics, I believe that LSU is the school for me,” Yedinak said.
Poncy and Yedinak are already making memories that capture both the challenges of leaving home and the excitement of starting a great four years of their lives.
