A First Year’s Experience on CSA (so far)

Home is a feeling, not a place. Yet, home only feels like home because of people; our friends and family who shower us with support, care and love. In the past couple of months, I’ve been lucky enough to find those people; who helped make a distant, daunting and unfamiliar place finally feel like home.

CSA Coffeehouse 2019

Coming into university was a big change of pace for me; leaving loved ones and close friends, living by myself, and (trying to) stay caught up with school. Amongst it all, CSA kept me anchored, reminding me to slow down when things were going too fast. 

Family helps you grow. As much as there is an emphasis on being accountable and doing your job; there is an equal amount of effort put in by our directors and cabinet to ensure that we are always pushing ourselves and growing. 

If you told me in September that I’d be be singing and cracking cheesy jokes somewhere other than in my shower, I’d laugh at you and call you crazy. Yet there I was on stage at CSA’s Coffeehouse event, (poorly) singing Count on Me by Bruno Mars and asking what you’d call Miley Cyrus in Europe (Kilometery Cyrus, comedic gold, I know), while the rest of CSA ran to the stage, cheering for us at the top of their lungs. Despite all the voice cracks, missed notes and bad jokes, it was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long while, and it was all thanks to those who pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. 

CSA Coffeehouse 2019

Family inspires and supports you. When everybody around you wants nothing more than for you to succeed, it’s difficult to not try your hardest. My first finals season was rough; it was one of those learn two courses from scratch while living off of energy drinks type rough. At times, I felt like throwing in the towel and trying harder next semester would have been the best option, but every once in a while, I would get a good luck text which gave me bigger boosts than any energy drink ever could. 

Lastly, family is always there for you. Whenever I need advice, a quick laugh or a study break, I know that someone will be down to talk, play some pick-up ball—or just have a wholesome time with me. 

My first semester with CSA has been more than anything I could have asked for and I can’t wait for what’s to come in the new year. 

So, from my newfound family to yours, have a restful and happy holiday season.