It seems like just yesterday I was writing an Odyssey article to high school seniors, telling them not to wish their last year away, mentioning that I'd give anything to go back. Three years later, and I am approaching my last semester of college.
Am I ready to be finished? No.
Am I ready for adulthood to hit me like a train? No.
Am I ready to be forced to have responsibilities? Ha! No.
Lucky for you, incoming college freshman, you have four years of your life to figure it all out. Don't spend your time in college waiting for it to end.
Instead, here's what you can do. And trust me, these ideas are a lot more worthwhile.
1. Go to every sporting event possible
I'm not talking just football or basketball. Go to that lacrosse game, or soccer, or volleyball game. And while you're there, don't just sit on your phone acting like there is somewhere else you'd rather be. Cheer, scream, dance, and support every single sports team at your school. Not just the big ones. I made the mistake of waiting until my senior year to do this, and then I wondered why I hadn't previously.
2. Make as many friends as you can, no matter what
That girl across the hall? Befriend her. That really smiley, kind of cute guy in your 8 a.m.? Make sure you introduce yourself. Make friends. That girl that you thought to say hi to may end up being your best friend, a future bridesmaid, or a future Godmother to your children someday. And that cute smiley guy? He might be your husband. You will never know unless you say hello.
3. Suck it up and realize that you're never 'too cool' for anything
This isn't high school. I'm serious. Let me say that again: This isn't high school. No one cares. At all. Ever. With that being said, don't laugh at people who wear PJs to class or have their hair in a not-so-appealing updo. Don't roll your eyes at the girls dancing out of joy at a soccer game, screaming for their friends (see point number one). Join them instead. And yeah, jump on the "wearing PJs to class" train and don't look back. You'll thank me later.
4. Have a crush (or ten)
Don't feel bad about being attracted to people. If you make your move and it doesn't go your way, brush it off and move on. There will be so many boys during this time in your life. Find comfort in that if you wish and realize that it is okay.
5. Make mistakes and learn from them
You are going to screw up. That's it. It happens, and it is totally okay. You're going to trust the wrong people, do things you wish you wouldn't have, and probably skip a class or two. Was it the right thing to do? No. But, learn from those mistakes and use that knowledge next time.
College freshmen, college is the best four years of your life. Make the most of it.
