Dear Freshmen Me,
I know time travel isn't a real thing - yet - but maybe my life will suddenly turn into the movie The Lakehouse and I can somehow get this letter to you. As I approach the last weeks of my college career, talking with friends in the same boat as me, I've said many times "if I could just tell freshmen me this". So here it is: then things I wish someone would have told me when I was a freshmen.
- Sleep more. Seriously, you don't need to watch the entire 2nd season of The Office (obviously the best season) for the third time. You don't need to decide to become a yogi at 3am. You really don't need that late night run to Walmart for junk food. Naps are your friend, go to bed early. Don't pull that all nighter the first night of finals week.
- Don't go thrifting. Seriously, don't do it. I've done that math for you and if you just don't buy the green tie-dyed cat shirt, you could take an awesome trip next spring break. That j. Crew sweater was mistakenly in the women's section and makes you look like a linebacker. In 3 years, you're going to try minimalism so just start now.
- Please, please, please, do not get bangs. You have a fro, and your learning to love it but I am telling you..those bangs are not your friend. You'll end up wearing headbands and pinning them back so just save yourself the trouble.
- You aren't too cool study. Just tell your friends and boyfriend that you are camping out in the library. Write papers before they are due. Read the chapter before class. Don't waste your parents money - work hard.
- Open a savings account and actually put money in it. Don't view your paycheck as how many things you can by with it. Spend what you need, treat yourselves every now and then, but put the rest away. Trust me on this one.
- Tell your boyfriend that you're busy and can't come up this weekend. You needs friends and a support system right where you are. Get out there and meet new people.
- There is a really nice gym that you already pay for - so how about you go every now and then. You'll feel better about yourself and you'll literally feel better.
- In that same vein, stop looking other girls and comparing yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are beautiful. You are smart. You are funny. You are talented. You are ambitious. You are perfect the way you.
- Do what you think is right, and don't do what you think isn't. Don't set your moral code to that of your peers. You were raised by some pretty amazing people and they've taught you what is right. If you don't know, give them a call. I'm sure they'll enjoy it.
- Don't shut yourself in. Join a club, play at an open mic night, take a fun elective, join an intermural team, do something new. College is a time to find out who you are as a young adult, so why not try something new? You might find something you love.
I'm sure in four more years, I'll write another letter to you about what I wish I knew as a college senior. But for now, enjoy this life because it's over before you know it. You can't these days back.
I believe in you, and I believe in your future. Hold on sister, it'll all be okay.
Sincerely,
Almost-College-Graduate-You
