As I have recently wrapped up my first year of college, I have learned a great deal of lessons both big and small. Wide-eyed and full of excitement, I entered my freshman year with my parents stories and the media's portrayal of college as my expectations. Determined to make friends and handle my new classes, I had no idea what I still had left to learn.
It started with the small stuff. I located all of the buildings on campus, I learned where I could eat on my meal plan, and I found where the campus shuttle stops. I learned my roommates habits and they learned mine as we tried to coexist in the same dorm. I learned just how many episodes of Friends I could watch and still get my homework in on time. I learned the school rules, and to balance my new schedule, and the best ratio of noodles to broth to make the perfect Ramen.
As I progressed through the year, I faced the big stuff. I know it sounds cliche but the saying "Not everyone is going to like you." is true, and that is okay. You cannot care what others think, as long as you think you are great, you are. I learned that growing up includes taking responsibility for all of your actions. Miss a homework due date? You suffer the lower grade. Stay up late and sleep through an exam? Your GPA is affected. You live with the choices you make and the effects that come with them. I learned to call on my family in times of trouble. You cannot go through this experience alone and it is okay to ask your mom how to get a stain out of a skirt or, what type of coffee creamer she bought for the house. Your family will always be there for you and you should never hesitate to call.
Freshman year is a year of new. New people, new places, new experiences, and new lessons. It's a a year of learning and a year of growing up. Now that I have experienced it, I want to pass on any wisdom I can. Although I can share what I have learned, nothing can compare to one's own freshman year experience. Good luck to all of the high school seniors graduating and moving on to a year of excitement, a year of fun, and a year of new. May you face this year with self-confidence, and an eager mind.
As always, Em.
It started with the small stuff. I located all of the buildings on campus, I learned where I could eat on my meal plan, and I found where the campus shuttle stops. I learned my roommates habits and they learned mine as we tried to coexist in the same dorm. I learned just how many episodes of Friends I could watch and still get my homework in on time. I learned the school rules, and to balance my new schedule, and the best ratio of noodles to broth to make the perfect Ramen.
As I progressed through the year, I faced the big stuff. I know it sounds cliche but the saying "Not everyone is going to like you." is true, and that is okay. You cannot care what others think, as long as you think you are great, you are. I learned that growing up includes taking responsibility for all of your actions. Miss a homework due date? You suffer the lower grade. Stay up late and sleep through an exam? Your GPA is affected. You live with the choices you make and the effects that come with them. I learned to call on my family in times of trouble. You cannot go through this experience alone and it is okay to ask your mom how to get a stain out of a skirt or, what type of coffee creamer she bought for the house. Your family will always be there for you and you should never hesitate to call.
Freshman year is a year of new. New people, new places, new experiences, and new lessons. It's a a year of learning and a year of growing up. Now that I have experienced it, I want to pass on any wisdom I can. Although I can share what I have learned, nothing can compare to one's own freshman year experience. Good luck to all of the high school seniors graduating and moving on to a year of excitement, a year of fun, and a year of new. May you face this year with self-confidence, and an eager mind.
As always, Em.