Walking through the “gate” for the first time.
WALKING THROUGH THE “GATE” FOR THE FIRST TIME.
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Do you remember that moment? The air, thick with anticipation and a touch of disbelief, as you stepped onto campus for the very first time as an admitted student. It wasn't just walking onto a patch of manicured grass; it was crossing a threshold, a symbolic “gate” into a world you'd only dreamed of. The weight of possibility, the echoes of history, and perhaps a flicker of imposter syndrome all settled upon you.
Orientation week was a blur of new faces, earnest talks about academic rigor, and surprisingly awkward icebreakers. We were all there, a collection of bright, hopeful, and slightly overwhelmed individuals, navigating the labyrinth of a new reality. From the convocation ceremonies that felt both ancient and entirely new, to the informal gatherings that somehow felt more significant, every moment was steeped in the promise of transformation.
That initial walk through the “gate” wasn't just a physical act; it was the beginning of an intellectual and personal odyssey. It was the first chapter of stories we would tell for years – stories of late-night discussions, unexpected friendships, academic triumphs, and occasional stumbles. Whether you loved every structured minute or secretly longed for familiar ground, those first traditions laid the foundation for the unique bond we share. They were the primal experiences that defined our entry into a community unlike any other. What traditions from those first days resonated most with you?