The trials & tribulations of a new GSU student

When I first arrived http://admin2.collegepublisher.com/polopoly/CM?owid=8506068654at Governors State disheveled, neurotic, and desperate (my typical state of being) I was woefully ignorant of what to expect beyond the auspicious main entrance, and more than a little intimidated by the prospect of applying to an upper division university.
What I found was an abundance of helpful people gently ushering me from place to place to sign obscure documents and directing me to the appropriate offices (once I'd declared the major that I would later impulsively change) where I found more helpful people. When I got lost or confused, I simply returned to the genesis of the academic maze I had somehow wandered into, where an endlessly chipper Admissions Clerk named Nancy Maurer beamed at me, and answered whatever inane question I happened to have on my mind.
There was a Welcome Week in between all that. Unfortunately, I was so overwhelmed with ambiguity, indecision, and stress that I spent most of the time trying to calm my nerves as I waded through a sea of balloons and people sitting behind tables that identified the various educational departments here at GSU.
There are other exemplary people besides Maurer that guided me through the harrowing process of applying for, enrolling in, and financing my much needed education, and I am grateful to all of them. Christine Stark, a patient Client Relations Representative in the financial aid department, aided me in the agonizing process of applying for government assistance, which, thank the gods, I am now receiving. Dr. Rashidah Muhammad, a Full Professor of English, afforded me a great deal of her time in advising me on the prerequisites and realities of English Teachers Education. Conversely, a Senior English Lecturer by the name of Milan Panic (an emotion he is adept to instill) convinced me to abandon said department with as much haste as I had entered it. He pointed out that I lack the social graces necessary to subvert and educate the minds of others, and that I wasn't built for literary criticism. Who wants to end up like Seymour? "Not I," said the little mouse.
Terrified, harried, and alone, I stumbled into the Communication Department, and was welcomed by more helpful people. Among them was Dr. Deborah James, Assistant Professor of Media Studies; and Paula Cosenza, Communications Office Manager; who assured me that I had found the outlet and the vessel I was looking for. I'm very happy to be here.