Beyond Maps and Myths: Making UMich My Own by Kehinde Sowunmi
Beyond Maps and Myths: Making UMich My Own
Photo: Me full of smiles on my first day of class (NorthQuad Building)
You know that toe-tingling feeling of excitement mixed with the rush of your heart slamming against your chest, the one that makes you feel like you’re about to go weak in the knees? That’s exactly how I felt when I first arrived at the University of Michigan. Mind you, I had already watched tons of YouTube videos, scrolled through Instagram reels, and consumed every bit of online content I could find about U of M. Yet the mixture of thrill and nervousness still felt overwhelming, and it lingered well into my first month.
Part of me thought I was prepared. I wanted to come across as confident, not just “the international student,” or as we Nigerians jokingly call, a JJC or “Johnny Just Come,” a slang for a newcomer. I told myself that settling in would be as simple as memorizing my class schedule, understanding my GSI responsibilities, and figuring out the campus buildings. But I quickly learned that making this place your own goes far beyond maps, the perfect schedule or To-do list. It’s about the conversations you have, the countless times you still get lost despite using Google Maps, and the small rituals that slowly make this huge campus feel less intimidating and a little more like yours.
Sometimes It’s All Curiosity
One conversation that really shaped my early experience was when someone complimented my English as a Nigerian. For a moment, I froze, unsure how to respond. But I soon realized comments like this often come from curiosity, not malice. So, I turned it into a teaching moment. I smiled and explained that English is Nigeria’s official language, widely spoken in schools, workplaces, and daily life. What could have been an awkward exchange became a meaningful conversation. They asked more thoughtful questions, I shared stories, and we both walked away having learned something new. Later, when I talked with other international students, I realized I wasn’t alone in experiences like this. Assumptions touched all of us in different ways, but sharing our stories helped turn them into connections. This is not to say that it’s your responsibility to constantly explain or educate people about your background, nor should you overlook the subtle moments that can feel dismissive or frustrating. But when you feel safe and comfortable, offering your perspective can lead to moments of genuine understanding. Over time, I found strength in choosing when to engage, and peace in knowing that my identity doesn’t need to be explained to be valid.
When Mistakes Becomes Fun Lessons
Beyond the cultural conversations, I was also trying to figure out campus life and honestly, I made plenty of mistakes along the way. I once decided to walk from Central Campus to North Campus, thinking it would be “just a quick stroll.” Forty minutes later, I arrived late, out of breath, my feet screaming in exhausted protest, and my pride very much humbled. From that day on, I made a mental note to abort future missions like that and just take the bus.
Then there were the names. I confidently, but unknowingly, loudly mispronounced Washtenaw and Ypsilanti in front of strangers (for the record, it’s WASH-ten-aw and IP-suh-LAN-tee). I awkwardly tried to pay cash on the bus, not realizing it’s free with your Mcard. And, of course, I once missed an important meeting, because I nervously rushed to the Michigan Union instead of the Michigan League, trying to “prove” to myself that I knew the buildings without using a map. To this day, I still mix those two up for some reason. At first, these moments felt frustrating, but over time, they became funny icebreaker stories I shared with colleagues and now with you.
When Campus Becomes More Than Buildings
Eventually, the campus became more than just a collection of buildings on a map. Each place began to carry its own feeling and story for me. The Diag turned into that spot where everyone pretends to look busy but is really just people-watching. The Law Quad feels like stepping straight into Hogwarts with its quiet, magical atmosphere. The Rackham Building, with its elegant architecture and sweeping staircase, became a peaceful refuge for reflection and study breaks, a space that reminds me why I am here in the first place. North Campus still feels far, but reachable. Then there are the quirky little traditions that make me feel connected to something bigger. Like the rule of not stepping on the Block M in the Diag before your first exam, or risk the infamous “curse” of failing it. And if you do, don’t worry, at the first stroke of midnight, run from LSA’s Museum of Natural History to the bell tower and back before the final chime sounds. And of course, there’s that unforgettable moment at the Michigan Stadium when you join thousands of voices shouting, “Go Blue!” These small rituals don’t just fill the days; they make the campus feel alive and personal to me..
My Essential Carryalong
Of course, learning these places and traditions didn’t mean the days were suddenly easy. Long walks across campus, unpredictable weather, and back-to-back classes quickly taught me the importance of being prepared. I started carrying a few essentials everywhere I went: snacks (for myself and sometimes the bold campus squirrels), a compact umbrella because Michigan weather can change in minutes, my Mcard, the magic key for buses, libraries, and buildings, a portable charger for when my phone inevitably dies, and a light jacket or scarf for mornings that start cold, afternoons that warm up, and evenings that freeze again. These little things kept me ready for whatever the day threw my way.
Finding Your Own Way
Somewhere between answering curious questions, laughing at mistakes, and embracing small traditions, I have realised something simple: confusion is inevitable, but it doesn’t define your time here. What matters are the lessons you take from those moments and the confidence you build in sharing your story.
To new Wolverines: you might feel overwhelmed at first. You’ll mispronounce names, take wrong turns, and meet people who may not fully understand your background. But you’ll also find curiosity that leads to connection, comfort in unexpected places, and moments that slowly make this campus feel your own.
So, Welcome to the University of Michigan!!! You’re not just starting classes, you’re beginning a journey of growth and lifelong stories that will stay with you after you leave.
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