As the summer comes to a close and I'm about to begin my sophomore year of college, it's been an good time to reflect on how much has changed since I walked on to Whitman campus as a first year.
Being a freshman in college is everything you'd think it'd be: awkward, fun, overwhelming, and lonely. After one year of college I can't say that I've learned everything, but I have learned some things. Not having any older siblings, I didn't really have anyone to show me the way. So, here's 10 things I wish someone had told me about my first year at college.
1. It will be awkward
All the ice-breakers, all the not knowing anyone, all the small talk... UGH. You'll get past it, it just takes awhile.
2. Step outside of your comfort zone
If you never step outside your comfort zone, you'll never grow! Go sit at a table full of strangers for lunch or sign up for a club you wouldn't expect yourself to.
3. You'll meet tons of people first semester, but you'll find your true friends during second semester
When you first get to college, everyone is in the same boat. You're all just hoping to make friends and lasting relationships, but second semester is when people's true colors start to show and you'll realize who your real friends are.
4. It's OK to join Greek Life or to be Independent
I've found Greek Life to be extremely beneficial to me in my first year of college and wouldn't go back on joining. What I've found on such a small campus is that there can be a strong divide between people who are Greek and people who are "independent," and I think it's unfair to judge anyone based on whether they decided to join an organization or not. So, if you decide to rush in the fall or decide not to, just respect others decisions about where they feel they'll fit in best.
5. You have a lot to learn about yourself
Even if you come into college knowing what you want to major in, knowing what you're passionate about, doesn't mean things can't change. You'll learn a ton of new things about yourself through experience and the people you surround yourself with, and it's okay to feel lost sometimes.
6. Your mental health should be one of your top priorities
It can be easy to get caught up in friends, classes, having good grades, doing the fun things your school has to offer, partying, etc. But it is most important to put yourself first, especially your mental health. If you need some "you" time, take a breather and do something you love to do. Find time to relax and don't kill yourself over schoolwork. In the end, you are the most important thing in your life.
7. It's okay you didn't get that job or that leadership position
A lot of the kids that I go to school with were the kind of people to apply for things in high school and get them without question, myself included. I was used to not having competition for certain positions because I knew no one else cared. But when I got to college and got rejected from almost everything I applied for, it was my first taste of the real world. It's okay if you don't get the positions you apply for your first year, you'll have more opportunities and it gives you time to grow as a person.
8. Learn how to say no
If you don't learn this lesson early, you'll be in for a world of trouble as you grow up. With classes, extracurriculars, organizations, it can already be difficult to manage everything on your plate. By saying "yes" to everything anyone asks you only makes things more difficult. If you know for a fact that you are too busy, politely turn someones request down. If you have some free time and want to help out a friend, go ahead and say yes! I still have a lot of learning to do when it comes to this lesson.
9. When you leave, you will miss it
Having to wait an entire summer to go back to school has been torture. College is really just like expensive summer camp and you'll only realize how much freedom you have there once you leave.
10. These WILL be the best years of your life
Ah, yes. That old cliched line you always here from your uncle every time you see him at a family gathering. But maybe your uncle was right. College is what you make of it and although it's not going to be awesome 24/7, I can guarantee you'll have some great times.
