I have never been more confused!

Okay, so I created my accout with no problems, downloaded the software, logged in, etc. and it took me to an orientation screen. HOW excatly do you begin the game, and how do you play this?
Thanks,
Hailey

Hiya Hailey. A warm welcome to Second Life and the Second Life forums!

Great you've already set up. It's going to be difficult for me to describe in words what you can do in Second Life. But basically, you start out at the Orientation Island. There are pathways with circular stepping stones. They have arrows, going from one station to another. Each station teaches a basic SL skill, like customizing your avatar (representation of yourself in SL), and when you've completed all those, you'll end up at an EXIT station.

"Playing" Second Life comes with experience. Easiest way I can think of it: take a moment to focus on things you really enjoy and want to do. What makes you happy? Do you want to go shopping? Drive vehicles? Give building stuff a go? It helps to have a specific, defined, list. Then, seek them out by pushing the FIND button and searching--often under FIND > PLACES. You'll learn by doing, and by doing, hopefully you'll have fun. I also am a fan of exploring randomly, but recognize this isn't everyone's style.

For further ideas, please feel free to look around these very forums, particularly somewhere like General Topics:

/108/1.html

What I'd also highly recommend is live, inworld help. Please feel free to go to HELP menu --> LIVE HELP and mention exactly what you need!

Enjoy your new Second Life.