By Alexis Schlesinger
Editorial Staff
As my freshman year of college comes to a close, I notice everyone around me reflecting. I’ve found myself reflecting as well.
So much has happened this year, throwing me into immense change.
I can proudly say I am partly to blame for this change.
When I started out at FSU, change scared me. Leaving behind the town I had lived in my entire life, I had plans to continue the same things I had grown up doing. I had chosen my major in early childhood education, and was planning on joining the track team.
I was curious about some of the clubs here, but not overly intent on joining them.
Now I couldn’t imagine my life without them, or without the people I’ve met through them.
I joined the newspaper, the activities board, the radio station, and the drama club.
I’ll be going into my sophomore year on The Gatepost as Photo & Design Editor, publicity chair for the activities board, Vice President of WDJM, and a producer for the fall play.
I never could’ve seen myself in these positions a year ago.
I performed on stage alone for the first time ever, twice. Another thing I never thought I would have the bravery to commit to.
I plan on leaving my major. Throughout the year, I’ve discovered that my passion lies in the arts, which I never would have discovered if I hadn’t taken a chance on change.
Not to say I wasn’t always interested in these new things I tried, because I did always have some attachment to them.
I never allowed these other passions - photography, design, music, performance, theater - to take the front seat because I was afraid of change.
I was so used to growing up as an athlete, which took up so much of my time, I never really gave myself the chance to branch out. On top of that, there was a lot of pressure to excel in the sports I played, so I just made it my “thing.”
I feel more fulfilled with what I’m doing now.
I’m not the only person who played a part in my change. I don’t think I could’ve accomplished nearly everything I’ve done this year without the people I have by my side.
They have taught me so much about myself, where I belong, and what I deserve.
I thank everyone on The Gatepost for supporting me through one of the hardest semesters of my life.
I thank Izayah, for welcoming me into the OP/ED section, and for his constant displays of respect to everyone around him.
I thank Kyle, for encouraging me to do big things with the radio station, and giving me a shoulder to lean on.
I thank Emily, for being someone who truly understands the inner workings of my heart.
I thank Leah, for showing me what perseverance looks like, and insisting I can show it too.
I thank Alex, for being one of the wisest people I have met in my life, and giving me incredible advice I think about frequently.
I thank Owen, for helping me get a job on campus, and being an all around standup guy.
I thank Bella, for every minute of her time she gave me, and every kind word.
I thank my girlfriend, Amy, for proving to me that love is easy to give and to receive.
I thank my best friend, Dylan, for everything you taught me about myself, about you, about life.
Finally, I thank myself. For allowing change. For taking a chance on me.