I had never traveled alone or had any type of independent traveling experience until my senior year of high school graduation ended. Since I play basketball here at URI I was required to attend both summer sessions to take classes as well as complete preseason workouts during the summer sessions. This was not my first time away from home, but it was my first time interacting with new people while I was totally independent. I had butterflies in my stomach the entire ride from New York to Rhode Island. I had all types of nervous and panicking thoughts in my head such as "what if I don't fit in with my new team?", "did I make the right decision to come here?", "what if my coaches don't like me?". I honestly didn't think I was ready to live without my mom around but at the same time I was excited to finally have some freedom and start maturing. Soon as I pulled up to my dorm about five of my teammates came up to me and welcomed me with open arms and were excited to see me. They immediately helped me with my bags and introduced themselves to my parents. They made me feel comfortable and as if they knew me before I even got there which really helped me for my first couple of weeks away from home. I guess once I got to campus I wasn't completely independent because I had a whole roster of teammates to show me around and tell me what I should and shouldn't do or who and what to stay away from.
Hi Hassan, it was really interesting to read about your culture post. I can relate to the changes you had to adjust to from going from high school basketball to college basketball. There is absolutely no wiggle room to mess up in college. When I played softball in high school, things were strict but nothing like college. It was just show up to practice and the games. There was no waking up at 5a.m to get a lift in before classes or mandatory study hall hours. It took some time to adjust to but it's either learn quick or fail.
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