It is 2017, and I have already completed the first couple weeks of my last semester of my undergraduate career. I have seen and done a lot of things that have shaped me into the person I am today. Through all of the ups and downs, smiles and tears, I have learned some valuable lessons that I wish I could go back in time and tell myself. If I could travel back in time and tell myself anything, these are the five things that I would say.
1. You're going to cry, a lot. Take mental health breaks.
Your freshman year of college will see many tears and lots of ice cream. There will be days when there is a group of 10 girls crying in your apartment about the rigor of coursework and their future careers. It will be easy to drown in the academic expectations of a school designed to be as challenging as medical school, but you need to take care of your mental health. Go on walks to Soldier's Field or have giant snowball fights with 20 other people. It does not matter what you do. Just, please, do something to keep yourself mentally healthy.
2. Your parents love you unconditionally.
They have honestly done everything in their power to see you succeed. They are happy you have spread your wings and have begun to do your own things, and they will always be there to welcome you back home. Don't be afraid to tell them about wanting to change your major and transferring schools. They will be there as support every step of the way. Also, the semester that you will have to move back home and commute to school will be one of your favorites, and eventually, you will move home again for the company and memories.
3. You'll meet people who you think are your friends but actually aren't.
You know those girls that you thought you were friends with freshman year of school. There's a reason why you felt that friendship was forced. You'll see them cheer for your successes but also silently root for your failure. They try to pressure you into doing things that you don't want to do, and it's going to suck when you are constantly having to defend yourself. But trust me, it is worth it in the end. You make it through, and you find your people.
4. Sometimes it's better to not say anything.
This applies to many areas of life, but I'm specifically talking about religion. In college, you will meet many people who will tell you all of the horrible things about Christianity, not knowing that you are not only a firm believer but also a pastor's kid. You will here a coach say "hope we don't have too many of those on this team," and a friend tell you how he's going to "get drunk off of Jesus' blood." You are going to feel anger swell up inside of you. Don't say anything. Just smile and walk away. Whether the person means to be offensive or not, you replying in any way does more harm than good to both you and the person.
5. Do not be passive about your faith.
Christianity has always been a foundation for who you are. It has influenced countless decisions and views throughout your entire life. Do not be naive in thinking that you will remain completely strong in your faith if you do not put the time or effort into it. It is easy to get wrapped up in school work, friends, etc. It is easier still to take for granted the impact that having a stable Godly influence in your life can be. You need to fight for it every day because you will be surrounded by people and things that want to make you question or abandon it completely.
