My freshman year, I was blessed with an amazing resident assistant, Jazmine, who I really bonded with. From the first week of classes, she was a source of infinite wisdom, advice, and kind spirits that helped keep the transition into college life very smooth. She continues to be a great friend, and I know she is always there when I need her. I hope all freshmen are lucky enough to have a RA like Jazmine who they can truly connect with. Here are some of Jazmine's life lessons she always passed on to her residents!
Lesson #1: It's Okay to Struggle With Some of Your Classes
I came from a really great high school that prepared its students so well for college. Most of my classes I felt that I was able to handle pretty well, except for one. Statistics. If you're a stat major, more power to you! You rock and deserve a medal. Stat for me was no walk in the park. I struggled to understand the material as well as others. Jazz encouraged me to attend office hours (often) and it helped so much. I passed the class and, thankfully, I never have to take a statistics course again (god bless!!) So get to know your professors, go to office hours, start study groups, whatever you gotta do to get the grade!
Lesson # 2: Hard Is Different for Everyone
Everyone excels and struggles with different things. What comes easy to a pre-med major might be difficult for a strategic communications major. What is hard for an economics major might be quite easy for an architecture student. You cannot compare yourself to others because we are all different. Celebrate your strengths and do well in what you know you can do great in. Try your hardest in the tough subjects and give it all you got, but don't get discouraged if it isn't the best. Hard work and dedication is something to celebrate. Cs get degrees.
Lesson #3: He's Not Worth Your Time
If he constantly claims he is "busy," let him go. Life is way too short to be worrying so much about people that don't care as much about you. It's not fair to you! If someone cares about you, no matter how busy they are, they will make time for you because you are important to them. You can't chase people who just don't care. I read a quote online that said, "You can't hold a door open and constantly wait for a thank you from someone. No one asked you to hold the door." So focus on yourself!
Lesson #4: Treat.Yo.Self
No matter how long your to-do list is or how stressed you are (please read: think you are), you can't succeed in any of that unless you take care of yourself. Go on a run around campus or take a nice, hot shower. Taking care of yourself is so important and often forgotten when you are super busy. You deserve that bag of Swedish Fish or that milkshake -- so treat yourself and remember your needs are just as important as anything on your to-do list.
Lesson #5: Keep Calm and Carry On
Jazmine's life motto is keep calm and carry on and I always repeat this saying when I'm feeling overwhelmed. She loved to add these at the end of a corridor-wide email and they always made me smile. You are fully capable of amazing things and you can get through any type of exhausting situation or struggle! You've got this. Jazmine always inspires me to keep going and be the best I can be and you can do it to!
Although I'm bummed that I won't have Jazmine as an RA this year, I'm comforted knowing an amazing group of freshman girls will get to have her and learn from her as much as I did. The information, wisdom, and friendship she has given me is something so unique, and I know that I'll always remember and keep this lessons close to my heart for the rest of my life.
