By: Lilian Chamberlain
When I reflect on my time at Elon University thus far, the term that resonates with me most is growth. Not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. As I enter my third year here, I realize how much I have changed from my first day on campus. The gap between who I was then and who I am now is something I am very proud of.
I won’t pretend my transition to college was seamless. My first year, especially the second semester, was difficult. I’ve always been an independent person, and for a long time, I believed that asking for help meant I was falling short or failing in some way. But Elon and its people have taught me otherwise. I’ve come to realize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Letting people in, leaning on them for support, and admitting when I need help have all been essential to my growth. It has been a journey, but one that was absolutely worth it.
Another thing I've learned is that the individuals you're closest to in your first year may not be your closest friends throughout college, which is completely fine. It does not reduce the importance of those early connections. It simply represents your personal growth and evolution, as well as that of those around you. Relationships can change, fade, or deepen in ways you never imagined. Learning to accept that without remorse was one of the most rewarding aspects of college for me so far.
I am presently a nursing student with a minor in psychology, and the academics here have pushed me in the best ways. Nursing is both challenging and rewarding. My teachers know my name, check in beyond grades, and genuinely care about my well-being, not just as a student but as a person. Their encouragement has increased my confidence and reminded me of my abilities, even on days when I doubt myself. That support system is only one of the many reasons I feel ready for what is ahead.
Outside of class, I've discovered communities that have helped Elon feel at home. I serve as the head of the communications team for Club Nursing, which has allowed me to connect with other nursing students, highlight our shared experiences, and celebrate what we’re accomplishing together. I’ve also been a member of Tri Delta since the winter of my first year, and it has brought me friendships I never expected. Living in the Tri Delta house during my second year made those relationships even stronger. That space became more than just a house. It became a home filled with laughter, late-night conversations on the couch, and people who showed up for me when it mattered most.
While Elon’s campus is visually beautiful, the real beauty is found in the everyday moments. Seeing familiar faces on the walk to class, grabbing coffee between lectures, or going for a run to clear my head after a long day are the kinds of experiences that have made this place feel like more than just a school. It is the people, their stories, and their support that have made Elon University feel like home.
This fall, I will begin clinicals, which feels like a full-circle moment. I have been working toward this since my first semester, and while I know it will be challenging, I finally feel ready. Not because I have all the answers, but because I know how far I’ve come.
I am still learning, still growing, and still figuring things out, but I’m proud of where I am. I am incredibly grateful for the people, places, and lessons that have shaped my time at Elon and continue to shape the person I am becoming.
