As my freshman year of college comes to an end, and I am getting ready to go on vacation, I wanted to just reflect about the year I had.There were many things that happened during my 2015-2016 school year at Eastern, however, I think that there are ten essential things that I learned this school year. So without any more delay here are the ten things that I learned during my freshman year of college.
1) Time Management
Freshman year has taught me a lot about time management. With having two jobs, classes, scholarship meetings, and having to do homework plus make time for friends; time management was something that I became really good at.
2) Do not try to do everything on your own
College is hard in some aspects and everyone knows this, but everything becomes easier when you have a group of people around you that supports and cares for you. Find a group of people that will be your backbone when you feel like you are down for the count, because trust me you will have a lot of those days.
3) Make your major something you love and enjoy
I saw so many people this year switch their majors a lot of times, and while that is completely okay, my advice would be to find a major you love. Remember you have to study it for four years, and you want to enjoy your career with it.
4) You are not alone
Every freshman is going through the same exact things that you are going through so do not be afraid to talk about it with other people, and remember you are not alone on this ride.
5) Find a support system
This is a little similar to number two but it is different. Finding a support system in this case means a professor, RA, RD, or school counselor that you can talk to and blow of steam with. There are just some things that you will feel like you cannot tell your friends and that is where your support system would come in handy. They will also be able to hold you accountable for the stuff that you do as well.
6) Stay true to you
Most people during their freshman year are trying to find themselves. With that being said however, stay true to who you are. There are going to be a lot of distractions, and people that are going to try to bring you down, but do not let them. Keep your head in the game, and know your worth.
7) Keep up your grades no matter what
This is really important because it is harder in college to pull up your gpa after freshman year than to bring it down. If you are talking a class and you feel like you are about to fail, drop it and add another one or withdraw and take it again another time. Whatever you do, however, beat those books and keep those grades up.
8) Do not over work yourself
This is something I had to learn the hard way. I pushed myself until I fell sick, however, now I know better. We all want to be the superhuman that does everything, but sometimes you just have to let some things go and focus on you.. which brings me to my next point
9) Make time for yourself
My Act 101 counselor, Sharina, always told me to make time for myself to rest... even though I was very stubborn to do that, sometimes I really needed to. So make time for yourself, even if it is just to hang out with friends, take a nap, or go for a walk. You need to have that YOU time to unwind and relax.
10) Have fun and Trust in God no matter what
Freshman year is going to go by extremely fast so have fun with it and trust in God. It is going to be a crazy year so put God first, have fun and enjoy the ride.
Though these were just a few of the things I learned my first year of college I think they were the most essential. I hope that these ten things helps not only incoming freshman but any first year college student. So get ready to have a fun ride, and good luck to everyone because we all need it.
