I just finished my Freshman year of college at Kennesaw State University. It was a great year full of new people, different experiences, and tons of change. A few of my younger friends are graduating high school this year and as I have been attending their graduation parties, one asked me "What would you have wanted to know going into college that you didn't?" I gave it some thought, and this is my answer:
Throughout your freshman year, there are going to be tons of opportunities to take, new people to meet, things to try, and new places to go but through it all, remember these two things:
1. Be Yourself
It seems so simple but you would not believe how easy it is to forget. As you meet other people, it is very easy to try and adjust the way you act or talk to "fit in". If you have to work hard or change anything about yourself, then it is not the group/friend for you. I learned that early on, and it wasn't easy because I just wanted to have a group already so that I wasn't lonely. After I met a few more people in my classes and some campus events, I realized that I don't have to settle for a group that I don't fit in with. I shouldn't be exhausted after having dinner with them because I was trying SO hard to fit in. It took me a while to have the confidence to be 100% myself. I was not ashamed of myself or anything like that but I was simply learning about college. I found a great group of friends that actually boosted my confidence and allowed me to break out of my shell. I am able to laugh at myself, be sad, or anything I feel around them and that is the way it should be. I don't regret any of it because it helped me build my self-confidence and taught me the simple lesson of always be yourself. To all of my friends who are going off to college in the Fall: just know that you are enough, you are great, and you need to be yourself because there are a group of people in which you will find your friends :)
2. Undecided/Undeclared Major Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of!
I started my Freshman Year as undeclared/undecided and it was the best decision I ever made. Ok.... I will admit that when people asked what I am studying, it would have been easier to have a simple answer like Nursing, Business, etc, However, it gave me the option to experiment with classes a little. While taking all my general education classes, I decided to take Intro to Human Services to see if that was a path that I wanted to take. It was one of the most eye-opening classes I have taken out of the classes I have taken so far, however, it showed me that I did not want to be a Human Services major. It taught me more about life, people, and the quality of everything that I have. My point is that of course, it would be easier if we knew what we career path we are going to choose in the future. That being said, it is fun to take advantage of this time to experiment with different opportunities and classes to see what I am interested in and it has surprised me so far.
Many people have told me both of these things while I was getting ready to go to college and during my freshman year, but the fact is that you have to experience it on your own. There is only so much I can tell you to prepare you, but just know you will be just fine. But do me a favor and keep these two things in mind :)
