Here I am, a month post-grad and still completely dumbfounded as to how four years went faster than a pizza on an empty stomach!
So, here I am with some parting words…after all who would I be if I didn’t love to talk about my experience and give advice??
Read on for four things I would tell my freshman self:
1. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Especially when you’re a first year — everything is so new. You’re getting used to a new schedule, a new social life, and most importantly a new living situation.
So breathe.
Sometimes you’re going to be overwhelmed balancing all your responsibilities: it’s okay to skip a class (or a whole day of classes) to catch up on the work you’ve been struggling with (or maybe even the shows you’ve missed out on because of said schoolwork — treat yourself occasionally!).
Sometimes you won’t be invited out on the town: and that’s okay! For most colleges with greek life, the first semester is about getting to know people and being invited out to mingle with sisters at parties. Whether you are invited or not does not reflect who you are. Take a moment and appreciate the nights in you get to spend with your new college besties.
Sometimes your roommate may snore or be a little sloppy or be a little loud in the morning: hello! You can be, too! Let these little instances roll off your back because one moment of annoyance is not worth an awkward living situation for the rest of your year.
Let it roll off your back and keep on going!
2. Give Everyone a Chance
I’ve said it, your mom has said it, and probably a ton of other people too:
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Especially in college, you (and many others) are being thrown into a completely new environment that includes a very diverse group of individuals. It’s okay to have an opinion on someone, but it’s most important to have an open mind.
Take a chance on people because you have no idea where that chance could lead…(like a best friendship that has lasted 4 years of college and beyond!)
3. Take Advantage of Your Surroundings
Whether that means forging an important bond with a mentor or traveling into New York City on a weekday just because you can, do it.
Make the most of college, while you can.
While you’re in it — ‘it’ being college — it feels like your whole world, but it won’t always be. The resources and adventures that are so easily accessible right now mean the most because they are fleeting.
Go to every career fair, venture into a new city, meet new people, and take advantage of everything college has to offer.
4. Be a Friend
We have established that college can be hard — but it doesn’t mean that its hard for only us. No one is alone in this new experience.
So…
Be a friend to those around you, be the person you would want supporting you. You will never, ever regret it.
I want to hear from you in the comments below!
What was your college experience like? What have you learned? What advice would you give to your freshman self?