I had my fair share of misconceptions about college. As a first-generation college student, I thought college was going to be like high school. I didn’t have anyone in my family who went to college to tell me otherwise. I got A’s easily in high school; I barely needed to study, rarely reviewed my notes and coasted through Honors and Advanced Placement classes that claimed to “prepare” us for college rigor.
In high school, I had plenty of friends — and plenty of friendship drama. I told myself I’d walk into college alone and leave alone. I also swore off men.
But college? Oh, college had other plans.
My freshman year was isolating: I went to class, did assignments, took notes and returned to my single dorm. No study sessions, no library visits, no real connections — not with peers or professors. I didn’t even realize I was falling behind in my classes.
Then, things started to shift. I met my current boyfriend freshman year. Sophomore year, I moved into a suite with a friend I made that first year and finally found a sense of community. I leaned into my love for writing and co-founded Hopkins’ first poetry performance group. I joined the Black Student Union and started showing up for myself in ways I hadn’t before.
Academically, it wasn’t easy. It was jarring to go from graduating fourth in my high school class to struggling to earn A’s in college. I didn’t understand what was going wrong — so I turned to YouTube, learned how to study and, slowly but surely, my grades improved. My confidence returned, little by little.
Now, as a senior? Developmental Biology is my 13th reason. No senior should be taking that course in the spring semester. At this point, I don’t even care what grade I get — I just want out. But still, I’ve come a long way. Some parts of the community I found didn’t work out like I hoped, but I don’t regret a thing.
I’ve met people I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. The boy I met freshman year? We’re still together, and I love him deeply. And those study habits I built? They helped me trend upward enough to impress graduate schools. That’s where I’m headed next.
I thought I’d ace everything, get a med-school-worthy GPA and avoid all relationship drama. I thought I’d be a lone wolf.
But college? College was nothing like I expected — like at all.
Ty’shera Mintz is from Philadelphia, Pa. and is graduating with a degree in Biology.
