College Story Podcast Outline

Intro:

Hello, and welcome to Comm Talks With Cally. This episode is dedicated to my “First Semester Journey”.  Today I want to share a story that so many of us can relate to: navigating the highs and lows of starting something new. From stepping out of my comfort zone to balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth, this past semester has been a whirlwind of challenges and discoveries.  

In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my first year at college—what it was like to find my place on the Tennis team, the lessons I learned in an acting class that pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of, and how my relationships with family and friends have grown and changed in unexpected ways.  

So, whether you’re just starting your own journey, reflecting on your experiences, or simply looking for a little inspiration, I hope my story will resonate with you. Let’s dive in!

Key Themes:

Tennis and Finding a New Community

I come from an athletic background. My family is very into sports. My grandpa was a State Wrestler and built the notorious Dexter Wrestling program from the ground up, my dad was a 3-time state wrestler out of four years of high school and made Sports Illustrated in 1999. My Grandmother, two of my aunts, and mother were state champions in Field Hockey during their time at Dexter Regional High School. So growing up in that atmosphere, it was of no surprise that Sports became a big part of my life too. 

I was a tri-varsity athlete four years of high school, playing Basketball, Tennis, and Soccer. (and yes I was a state champ too). Coming into college I wanted to continue my athletic journey, but the desire to pursue academics and career weighed a little more. I knew I didn’t want to end athletics completely, so this is was I did on Week 2 of the semester: (Insert week 2 2:36-3:37)

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Keeping familiarity and activities you enjoy is an important part of the college transition. However, my mother always encouraged me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. And it all started with my acting class…

(Insert week 4 1:48-2:37)

This step also set me forth to trying new things and putting myself out there when it came to other academics and programs. I took the opportunity to be the assistant director in the Rick Goldsmith interview during early October. In week 7 I talked about working with an all woman crew… (Insert week 7 3:57-4:25) I also got involved with the Saco, Biddeford, and Dayton community, and Pizza by Alex establishment through my Community News Fellowship Program. 

Personal Growth and Evolution

Throughout this journey of finding a new community through Tennis and stepping out of my comfort zone in academics, it is important to note another huge factor of the college experience. The change in personal relationships…

Now, I knew coming to college was going to be a difficult transition for me. I am a homebody in every sense of the word–I LOVE my home, my family. However, in May of 2024 I met two girls online and we ended up creating a friendship that lasted throughout Summer Orientation and the beginning of school. We actually got put in the same hall and floor! This really helped in my transition, and throughout the semester our bonds have strengthened. I discuss this in the first week: (Insert 0:26-2:24)

Meanwhile, my personal relationships with my family and friends back home started to change. The biggest change was between my sister and I…(Insert 1:46-2:51)

Outro:

Thank you so much for joining me on this episode titled “First Semester Journey”. Reflecting on my first semester of college has been a powerful reminder of how much growth can come from stepping out of our comfort zones, pursuing our passions, and navigating changes in relationships.

As you navigate your own path—whether in college, work, or life—I hope this story inspires you to embrace the unfamiliar, take opportunities that challenge you, and cherish the connections that ground you.

Music in this podcast is called _____ by _____
This is Comm Talks With Cally, logging off on December , 2024. Have a Happy Holiday!