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? Stepping onto campus, perhaps through a historic archway or just past an invisible boundary, for the very first time. The air hummed with a mix of anticipation and a profound sense of “I can’t believe I’m here.” It wasn’t just walking into a new place; it was crossing a threshold into a legacy, a dream you’d chased for years.
That initial disorientation, quickly followed by the overwhelming rush of orientation. Meeting hundreds of faces, some as nervous as you, others radiating an inexplicable confidence. Every conversation felt like a critical connection, every new building a puzzle piece in a map you were just beginning to draw. You were handed your first student ID, a tangible symbol of belonging, and suddenly you weren’t just a prospective student anymore – you were part of the institution.
This first “walk through the gate” isn’t merely a physical act; it’s the symbolic genesis of your unique journey within this hallowed ground. It sets the stage for every tradition that follows, from the joyous celebrations to the moments of shared stress, perhaps even to the quirky, sometimes bizarre, rituals that become inside jokes for a lifetime. It’s the foundation of your first “primal scream” before exams, the first whispered mention of a secret society, the first late-night philosophical debate in a common room.
Whether you’re still navigating the quads or looking back fondly from years beyond, that first step remains etched in memory. It’s where your story, interwoven with generations of others, truly began.