Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Josh Garelle. I am a first-year student here at SUNY Geneseo. I am from Long Island, New York- specifically the Village of Rockville Centre. This small traditional neighborhood on Long Island is what shaped me into who I am today. It’s about a six and half hour drive to and from Geneseo. I play basketball for the school team and I find a lot of interest in music. Going to the beach and hanging out with friends and family are major parts of my life too.
What’s SUNY Geneseo?… This small town in Western Upstate New York is what I will call “Home” for the next four years of my life. The true beauty of Geneseo and what it has to offer, I have no doubt that I will enjoy all of my time here. I am writing this about three weeks into my first semester of college. Woah… college. Even just the thought of me typing that is awfully strange. College felt like such an eternity away that now that it’s here, there’s a certain empty feeling that often overcomes me. Growing up, I viewed college as this huge obstacle in life. Now that I’m here, it’s all but that. These first three weeks of college have matured me, allowed me to express myself in ways I’ve never had before and given me opportunities to make new friends that I’m sure will last a while.
Deciding to come here was an academic and athletic decision that I thought was best for me and my family. Athletically, being able to play basketball at the next level has been a dream of mine since I was little. Being able to fulfill that is very special. Most importantly, this school is academically rigorous but also fair. Even though it’s only been three weeks, I am excited for what the future holds at SUNY Geneseo…. Although these past few weeks have been a blast, I’ve left behind a part of me that makes me who I am. Family, Friends and a community who supports me. In leaving that close, bonded community, I was opened to the opportunity of reinventing myself and who I am while also keeping my values.
My first semester classes have started very smoothly. When I viewed Theatre: A Therapy for Veterans on my schedule, I was extremely intrigued. I wasn’t sure what to think of the class. After being in this environment for a couple of classes, it’s safe to say I’m excited for the semester; the open discussion, along with the writing prompts we do, will not only make me a better writer but a better listener and speaker. I also think becoming a better writer can intertwine with becoming a better student in general. Writing is a huge aspect of academics. Specifically, learning and writing about topics like PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder allow me (and other students) to bounce ideas off of each other and open up discussion for what we agree or disagree on. This is the first writing-based course I am taking in my academic career. The books we are reading are so far helpful. For example, the They Say, I Say book by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein has allowed me to connect with my intellectual self and realize that I truly do not process what someone is saying to me in a conversation without having something to say myself. This book has already taught me to listen when someone is talking to me and analyze what they are saying.
Although it’s only been three weeks into the semester, my expectations are very high. I’m excited to explore more opportunities not only in class but in all of my classes. I am taking all general education classes because I am undecided. When the second semester approaches, I hope to have my major figured out. Outside of academics, I look forward to joining clubs and meeting with people that come from different cultures and bond with them. Basketball is what I’m looking forward to the most. I am already friends with the whole team. Having a prebuilt “family” before I even arrived on campus was a breath of fresh air for me. Practices and workouts have begun and I am intrigued on how difficult managing school work with athletics is going to be. It will be difficult but I am up for the challenge. I am again excited for this semester, this class, and just generally the next four years at SUNY Geneseo. Looking back on my first blog is going to be interesting as I continue to write about my experience here.
