Like many of her peers, Megan came to the university with an idealized vision of the "best years of her life." Research indicates that a significant number of first-year students expect to form "lifelong friendships" almost instantly. However, the reality often involves a period of .
: Learning to maneuver through complex campus landscapes, which can feel as intimidating as "tackling a massive mountain".
Upon her arrival, Megan likely encountered the "rollercoaster of emotions" that characterizes the transition to a new community of practice. This phase often includes:
: Moving from highly structured high school environments to the demands of independent learning .