when I was reading this book, I immediately related to the pressure and uncertainty during the week of school. Like Sarah, I came in with high expectations. I thought that within the first few weeks, I would find my best friends, find a steady routine, and suddenly feel like I belong on campus. Instead, I found myself overwhelmed by the need to make friends quickly. Everyone around me seemed to be forming groups and fitting in and creating healthy routines, while I worried that I was falling behind. I relate strongly to Sarah’s quiet moments of observing others and wondering where she fit, because I am going through the same thought process. The loneliness that Sarah shows in her story is something I am also feeling as this week marks my 3rd week of college, going into my 4th. Even though I am surrounded by people, I still feel this sort of isolation, unsure if anyone really understands me. There are times when I question if I made the right choice in coming to college, because the experience isn’t immediately matching what I imagined. I have this sense of doubt that is weighing heavily on me, just as it did for Sarah. I also connected with her struggles in self-confidence. Being in a new environment full of talented, ambitious people makes me second-guess my abilities and wonder if I truly belong. Sarah’s internal monologue about doubting herself mirrored the thoughts I have almost daily. I often compare myself to others, worrying if I’m doing enough socially or academically. What I appreciate about her story is how honest it is about the messy and complicated emotions of starting over in a new place. It reminds me that these feelings are not just my own but are a common part of the transitioning into adulthood and seeing Sarah navigate those struggles made me feel less alone in mine.