It's time to face reality. College is not going to be a repeat of high school.
College is a different level. There's a reason you can't go to college without completing four years of high school. High school is the minor league experience to prepare us for the major leagues.
The jump between the two is bigger for some than for others. Some people might see it as a small leap, but others like me feel like the jump is canyon-wide, the sharp rocks taunting us at the bottom as we look across the gap.
Like many others, I have had the pre-college jitters all summer, and as the semester approaches, I continue to ask myself the same, sometimes foolish, questions about my freshman year of college.
To ease some of my worries, I've complied my questions into three sections.
Academics:
1. What do I do if I sleep through my morning class?
Since freshmen have the last pick of classes, there's a high possibility I could be put into an early morning class. My biggest fear: sleeping through it.
2. How do I create a relationship with my professor?
With so many students, will they even be able to remember my name?
3. What's a derivative?
If you're anything like me, you don't remember anything from that math class.
4. How do I write a paper again?
OK, I'm just kidding, but I’m sure we’re all nervous about writing essays in college. How different is it from high school essays?
5. Am I ready for college?
Since being admitted, I’ve met so many intelligent peers. Many of them have already earned prestigious awards and scored excellent internships. Am I even on the same level as them?
Dorms:
1. What if I'm not best friends with my roommate?
I have to live with a person I’ve never met before, and you’re telling me we’re probably not going to be friends?
2. What if there's no air conditioning?
I am going to experience this and let me tell you: My fan is going to be my best friend. Updates to come after freshman year.
3. Do I really need all of these essentials?
Are all of these Command Strips really necessary? What about all of the layers for the bed?
4. Do I have to separate my laundry?
I can’t just throw it all in at once? (P.S. You can. Shout Color Catchers are lifesavers.)
5. Speaking of laundry, does the detergent go in before or after the clothing?
I don't want to stain my clothes! (Answer: Before)
Social:
1. How do I make friends?
I don't think I've had to go without friends since kindergarten, and we've already concluded that everything was easier when we were five.
2. How many extracurriculars are too many extracurriculars?
Will I regret joining Club A, Club B, Club C, Club X, Club Y and Club Z?
3. Am I going to miss out if I don't join the party scene?
I prefer my weekends be spent in my bed with Netflix and popcorn.
4. What if I don't want to partake in Greek life?
Will I regret not forming a sisterly bond?
5. What am I going to do with all of this free time?
You mean I might only have one class instead of classes all day? What ever will I do?
College freshmen, do you have some of the same concerns?