College is Just Not the Same: Communicating and Managing Identity on Social Media

Sample

It was finally here—college freshman move-in day. Jayda had barely slept in anticipation of the big day ahead. With the uncertainty of what she needed, Jayda decided to air on the side of caution and pack anything in question, evidenced by the plastic bins overflowing with clothes, shoes, and accessories in the back seat. Jayda bounded down the stairs, antsy to get on the road. She stepped outside to find her dad triple checking the bungee cords that secured heaps of clothes, bedding, and school supplies to the car. Just then her boyfriend Max pulled his pickup truck into the driveway and greeted her with a big smile and hug, while her mom was snapping pictures and taking video on her iPhone. “This is Jayda leaving for college,” she narrated. “Jayda, how are you feeling, honey?” “Jayda and Max get together for a picture,” she requested. Jayda gave her mom a goofy smile and grabbed Max’s hand as they both hopped in the car. She pulled out her phone and excitedly updated her Facebook status to My college adventure is about to begin #nextchapter #superexcited #state.