I haven’t seen much diversity among the freshmen class. Every year, the first day of classes is the same. Girls wear their club outfits or something they’ve been saving for months to wear. With guys it varies, but most try to pull the freshest gear they own to sport for the first day of classes.

I’m not ragging on that. Anyone who knows me knows I try to remain fresh, especially with my imaginary fashion club, but the difference is that I’m different. I strive to look different from others, which is something that some students don’t seem to care about. It’s like everyone wants to look and act the same.

From what I’ve seen, the freshman class looks the same. This year I was excited to see how different and diverse the freshmen were going to be. I’m not impressed. Where’s the individuality? High school is over. It’s time to shine.

I feel branching out helped me find who I am. I’m still growing, and I’m about to become a college graduate. I know I still have developing to do, but college helped me get my foot in the door. I look at younger USI students, and I feel a bit sad. I know there’s hope. Maybe it’s too early to judge, but the first week didn’t show much when it comes to diversity among the new students.

It’s always good seeing the old faces and recognizing the diversity we’ve maintained over the years. I really want the freshmen class to express themselves. I think they have a long way to go but a lot to offer. It’s OK to branch out. Finding new things that past friends called lame is a part of growing up.

In my last year at USI, I want to know that my legacy will be carried on. USI is a big family, and I’m so thankful to be a part of it. As the new members of the family emerge, I want them to recognize their differences and thrive on those ideals. It’s not cool to be a carbon copy. The reason why my friends are coo is because of our differences, not because we try to be the same person.