Personal Narrative Analysis

Excited. Nervous. Determined. Those three words perfectly describe how I was feeling my first day of college. The enrollment process was rigorous for me, but with the encouragement and support from my boyfriend, I was able to finish submitting the required paperwork by the school's deadline. After all of that was over with, I could finally begin a whole new chapter of my life that I had never visioned for myself. None of my family members have attended college, I was going to be the first one. This means, I was showing up for my first class completely mentally unprepared. I was unaware of what to expect for my first semester at Ocean County College.

The first class I had was English 095 with Professor I. When I first sat down, I glanced around the room and noticed all the students were fresh out of high school. I, myself, graduated high school 12 years ago! For a split second, I became extremely nervous. I pondered what they were thinking about me. Would they be taken back to hear I'm nearly 31 years old? If we were to do partner activities, will I be the one they dread being paired with considering I'm “old”? Then, quickly, I shut those thoughts down. I laughed to myself at my own stupidity for caring

what anyone would think. I needed to recall the true reason I was there; my family. That's when my excitement to be back in a classroom set back in.

Sitting there, listening to the Professor discuss what we will learn this semester left me feeling determined.

I am steadfast to succeed to the best of my ability in all of my classes, not just English. It is important to me to be a great example for my children. Starting college and attending my first class teaches my children numerous valuable lessons. Firstly, it shows them that you are never too old to continue your education. Secondly, it teaches them to have ambitions in life and to reach for your goals. Lastly, I know it will also teach my children how it feels to be proud of a family member. My daughter already tells people, “My mom is in college now.” The way her face lights up as she is talking about me attending school, shows how proud she is of

me.

As the excitement settled, our class was informed about our first assignment. We were told to pair up and introduce ourselves to a classmate. Thankfully, I had given myself a little pep talk before class started, so I was prepared. I spoke to a female student who is attending O.C.C. to further her career in the medical field. Despite the fact our career goals aren't the exact same, we were still able to relate to one another. Our conversation made me feel more comfortable being in the classroom. After listening to the rest of the students introduce their partners, I realized I wasn't alone. Nearly all of the students in the classroom had at least one thing in common!

By the end of my first class, all of my uneasy feelings had subsided. I left feeling confident and content. For the last 12 years as a mother, I have always put my family and friend's goals before my own. Finally, I have the ability to achieve my goals in becoming a Registered Nurse. Although, taking classes may not be easy, it certainly will not to deter me from having the career I've always wanted. My motto this semester is from a well known individual, “Just keep swimming.”- Dory, Finding Nemo.