Returning to school as an adult is a whirlwind. Suddenly I have homework and am surrounded by freshmen younger than me. It’s an even bigger contrast to my high school years because I was homeschooled during most of them as well. So, coming back into physical classrooms gave me a weird sense that I was walking into someone else’s dreams. I interact with more people than I have in several years. Even though doing group projects kind of forces me to do so, I still willingly talk to people near me. Similarly, I like the diversity here. I get to meet people I wouldn’t normally get the chance to. The last public school I attended didn’t have a lot of people with varying backgrounds, ethnicities, financial status, ages, or personalities. Then I was homeschooled. It gave me no chance to meet other students that could be like me, but UWGB is the total opposite.
Since there are more students, there is also a contrast in ages. I write everything that’s important to me in pencil and paper. Compared to me, most students don’t even use cursive signatures. Is that not a thing anymore? Adding on, everything is on the computer now, and I’ve had to get help from other students on how to find a downloaded document. But I think postings on Canvas about dates, discussions, and assignments are the best. On the opposite side, I give advice and encouragement when others need it. For example, I had a writing workshop, and nobody wanted to go first. So, I raised my hand and opened the discussion. I would also jump in if others were too quiet or too negative. Following that example, I hope everyone finds their own sense of self and accepts it.