I am only weeks away from graduation and attending an international student orientation at Duke University. My intention is not to have a countdown but to look forward to a new chapter in my life. It would be rather sad if I spent it ticking away at a calendar waiting for D-Day when in actuality every day is what you make of it.
 
I do, however, have an idea of ways to make the most out of college. Here are some things that many would claim are priorities of a college student, in no particular order:
Have fun
Form meaningful friendships
Have a genius Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg moment in a dorm room (or any place really)
Get good grades
Make money and become financially independent
Actually learn something that is applicable in the real world
Figure out your calling or passion
Graduate when you’re supposed to
 
First things first, let’s forgive the generalizations I just made because it’s very likely that I have left out a lot of important aspects to a college student’s life. Secondly, I really hope I get to have all eight priorities checked off by summer 2017. I also hope that I add several points to the aforementioned list.
 
To be fair, I have already checked off a number of things on the list because I’m sure I’ll have fun with great new friends. I also already know what I’m passionate about but still exploring.
 
The biggest priority for me, however, is to learn. There, I said it. Hello, my name is Maimuna and I am a self-confessed information junkie.
 
I want to learn about the global dynamics that are pushing finances to the Persian Gulf and I want to dive into medieval and renaissance studies. I want to learn different languages and I want to learn how to use statistical information to predict the future.
 
Whenever I envision myself doing these things, I am having an absolute blast, smiling away with no care in the world. I also realize that I might be quickly disillusioned by it all.
 
I have a lot of expectations about what life will be like in Durham, N.C., and I am also aware of the fact that it will not all go according to plan. I should rephrase that; I really hope it doesn’t go according to plan.
 
My moments of euphoria and bliss were mostly unexpected opportunities that popped up. So my list of priorities as a freshman will remain open, because as I take ownership of the next four years of my life as a Robertson Scholar at Duke, I expect the unexpected.
 
As the new kid on the block, tackling college applications seemed like a daunting task because one never really knows how everything will play out.
 
To my dear international students: don’t be dragged into the world of ratings and rankings. Make the choices that best suit who you are. Good luck to you.
 
To everyone: sharing my experience with you was not only deeply humbling but also challenging. It required a little bit of courage to open up about certain fears or insecurities but your response was worth it. I appreciate the words of encouragement, advice and the insightful perspectives.
 
Thank you all for the little joys and moments of exhilaration this entire experience brought me. I hope you enjoyed the journey as well.