By Kara Mautz, senior in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Journalism
I grew up an Auburn fan all of my life and always dreamed of going to school here ever since I was a little girl. Both of my parents met at Auburn, and we grew up coming to games as a family. When it was time to apply for college, Auburn was my number one choice, and I was so excited to finally be a student.
As a freshman, I was so nervous that I would feel homesick or have a hard time adjusting to life in college. However, it was the total opposite. From day one when I moved into my dorm room, I immediately felt that I was where I was meant to be. I felt so accepted by the people in my dorm, and my suitemates became some of my best friends at Auburn and helped me make it through my first year as a student. I kept waiting for that feeling to fade away and to get homesick, but it never came. I always tell people that I truly believe in the power of the Auburn Family. I think what made it so easy to transition from high school to college, was the acceptance and friendliness of the students and faculty I have encountered throughout my time at Auburn. I have had professors offer to bring me groceries when I was sick and students in my classes who have become some of my best friends.
As a first-year student, I was nervous about where I would fit in and what organizations I could join to be active in the Auburn community. There are so many ways to get involved at Auburn. It felt very overwhelming when I would scroll through AU Involve looking at various clubs and organizations. However, as a senior now I always tell freshmen that they will find where they are supposed to be and the people they are supposed to meet. My favorite thing that I have done in my time as a student at Auburn is joining The Auburn Plainsman, the student newspaper. Throughout my time on staff, I have had so many opportunities to meet people and go to events I never would have had if I had not applied and joined this organization. For me, this is where I was supposed to be. However, my sister is a freshman at Auburn and her favorite thing at Auburn so far has been becoming a member of a Panhellenic sorority. I think that what makes Auburn so special, and the reason I love Auburn is that there are endless opportunities to try new things and find yourself and so many ways to get involved and make the most of your time here. Even in hard times, I know that my professors and fellow students all love Auburn too, and we are always rooting for each other to succeed.