We've all been there -- freshman year. That awkward point in your life you don't really know much about the new environment you are in or what to expect. it's freshman year, an eye opener in so many ways, and something that everyone has to experience in order to grow not only as a student but as a person. The entire experience of being a freshman is one that you learn from. Looking back on you question things such as, Why did I think that was okay? Why would I wear that? or I didn't need that many things in my backpack. Here are lessons learned, and signs that you are no longer a freshman.
1. You no longer feel the need to dress up for class every day.
You finally understand that an extra large T-shirt and a pair of leggings or Nike shorts and a sweatshirt are totally acceptable outfits to wear to class daily. If you're like me, when you go to buy new school clothes,
that's all you really want.
2. You actually use your agenda to manage your life.
As a freshman, the university usually gives you a year planner, or you buy a Lily Pulitzer that you have more for looks than actually planning you weeks out. However, after Freshman year you realize you schedule is so busy that you actually need to use one to make sure you don't miss anything.
3. You know what to and not to eat in the cafeteria.
You can only eat cafeteria Chinese food, or the Chef Special, before you realize that best option is finding the hidden section of the cafeteria containing the good stuff.
4. You do not schedule 8 a.m. classes every single day of the week.
Classes at 8 a.m. every day will only happen once before you realize how important sleep really is to you.
5. You know how to maneuver around campus without getting caught in the hustle and bustle of slow students or reckless bikers.
Knowing how to get around campus without getting caught on the busiest sidewalks or waiting on crosswalks is essential to get to calss on time.
6. You know more people so you don't feel the need to run up to someone every single time you see someone you know.
As a freshman, you do not know many others yet so every single time you see someone you know you are immediately attracted to them, jump around for joy, and feel like the coolest person in the world just to have someone who will talk to you. However, after your Freshman year you learn sometimes all that is needed is a wave or a polite hello. You learn that if you stop and talk to everybody you know at this point you will never get to class.
7. Now, when you make mistakes, you are no longer "that freshman;" you're just a student who screwed up.
You can no longer say I'm just a freshman and get away with anything and everything. Saying this you learn to accept your mistakes, and stop blaming them on just being a freshman. Mistakes happen.
8. Your school supplies now consist of a phone charger and a laptop instead of wide ruled paper and #2 pencils.
The greatest discovery a student can find is a nearby wall outlet to plug your phone or laptop into. Your phone is a necessity on campus, and you can use your laptop not only to look up class information, but also to take notes on.
9.You don't feel the need to have a 'posse' with you everywhere you go.
You learn that eating alone in the cafeteria or going to Walmart by yourself is okay. You no longer feel the need to have a herd of friends accompanying you everywhere you go worrying that others will judge you if you are seen anywhere by yourself.
10. You have a better understanding of your limits.
As a freshman, you don't even know what 'limits' mean. As your get through your freshman year, and move into the next you learn just how much your body can take.
11. You get to choose your roommates.
Random roommate assignments can be the best or worst thing you've ever experienced. Once you get past your Freshman year, and you get to choose your roommates you will love your college life even more.
12. You know when the time to study is and when to go out is.
As a freshman, you are encouraged to go out as much as you possibly can. However, finding the balance of going out and keeping your grades up is imperative. The older you get the better judge of time you have for these activities.
13. Knowing sleep is necessary.
Many freshmen put off their tasks until the very last minute and stay up all night hurrying through their work.This result in no sleep, and has a very negative effect on students. You learn to nap at all opportunities!
14. You buy used textbooks.
So many freshmen get caught up in the rush of preparing for school as their freshman year comes up, and in this rush many of them think they need to buy everything new, even textbooks. This is not necessary, by the time you reach your sophomore year you find the magic of the off-campus used bookstore or even online through Chegg.
15. You are always prepared for anything.
You learn to be ready for any adventure, unexpected rainstorm. or anything you may need. Backpacks are meant to be full!
Years from now, I hope we all can look back on our freshman year as one of the greatest learning experiences of our lives.
