My parents broke the news to me in May. I returned home after my hardest semester yet to learn that they could no longer afford my tuition. I would not be returning to Brandeis (if you’re Jewish you probably have a cousin there) and now find myself washed up on “the banks of the old Raritan”.
And while I did do my fair share of crying, I’m not exactly heartbroken about leaving. The year had been a difficult one, complete with friendships that fizzled and a long-term relationship that ended. So I’ve come around to the idea of a fresh start (lets be honest I don’t have much of a choice) and thought I might practice some positive thinking.
I’ve compiled a list of affirmations even my therapist would be proud of:
1) I will keep and open mind.
My summer classes were kind of a bust but I still have hope for the fall. My classes will be interesting and challenging (I repeat this mantra in my head daily). The “RU screw” won’t be so bad. And even if I am here for the next five years, at least I like my apartment.
2) I will make new friends.
Maybe my creepy neighbor isn’t so creepy after all? Maybe I’ll even meet a nice (normal) guy? And seeing as I’m required to attend campus events for my mandatory transfer course, might as well make the most of it.
3. I will get my anxiety under control.
Sometimes you need to be home to work on things. And now seems the best time to practice some healthy habits. I will work on my procrastination (even though as I write this I should be working on a paper) and maybe even take up yoga again.
Lets face it, Brandeis probably isn’t the best place for anyone overly anxious about their schoolwork, or with any sort of neuroses really. A population of 41,500 students might be just what I need to ease the pressure off.
4. I will not lose sight of the big picture.
With all the changes being thrown my way, its kind of hard to focus on my goals. But in the end the craziness will settle down and I shouldn’t pass up any opportunities in the meantime. Even though you transfer, it doesn’t mean you can’t do that summer abroad, that internship, that double major, etc.
5. I will not feel ashamed.
Seriously, there’s nothing wrong with transferring, some really successful people have done it. I mean if Obama can do it, why not?
Lyanne Marrero