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Freshman year blues: how a college freshman’s viral video helped others

October 16th, 2018

The first year of college, or any new school for that matter, can be a roller coaster of emotions. You are finally living that independent life, making new friends, possibly even living in a new city, but it may be more difficult than you ever imagined. People tell you that this will be the “best time of your life”, but is it?

Starting a new school may be exciting but is also a major adjustment. That first semester is the most difficult and some people even consider transferring, yet if you allow yourself time and space for friendships to develop organically, you may be surprised at the changes by spring semester. Making new friends doesn’t happen overnight although social media may make you believe otherwise. Give yourself time, and please understand that everyone is trying to navigate this new world around them.

In the New York Times article referenced below, Emery Bergmann shares her experience as a freshman at Cornell University. I love how honest and open she is when it comes to her feelings of loneliness at the start of the school year. Bergmann’s viral video became an internet sensation as it resonates with so many people. We all have these feelings of loneliness when we venture into uncharted territory; starting something new can be scary but the reward is much greater than we can imagine in the moment. Stay focused and know that you are not alone.

Article referenced below published on October 9, 2018 by The New York Times, written by Emery Bergmann

Being known as “the girl with no friends” wasn’t my favorite part about having made a video that went viral — but you take what you can get.

About a year ago, as a college freshman at Cornell, I was assigned a short video project for my Intro to Digital Media course.

I decided to focus on my disappointment with the early weeks of college: How I couldn’t get past superficial conversation, how I couldn’t seem to enjoy parties, feel comfortable on campus, or just meet people who I wanted to spend more time around. I felt so lost and beyond confused.

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