Fold up your beach chairs and store away your bathing-suits, because school is back, baby. By the time this article reaches your computer screen, your classes might have already started, or you’re only a week or two away from starting them. Either way, half of you might be bumming while the rest of you are buzzing with excitement.
Fortunately this year I was served a mix of those excited, yet nervous vibes. Going into my third year of college, I’d like to say I’m a pro now, but that’s not the case. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever be a “college pro”. I still get anxious when I think about meeting new professors or students. I still have doubts that I may not be able to handle my upcoming course load. However, since I’ve gone through this a of couple times, I’ve developed reminders that I tell myself every August. They help ease off any tension and hopefully they’ll help ease off yours too. So, here are the 8 things I remind myself of every semester.
1.) Tell Yourself “You got this!”
You’re probably thinking in a very sarcastic tone, “Wow, Faythann. That’s so inspirational.”. But it can work! I recommend you do this in front of a mirror. Just look at your reflection and tell yourself how awesome you are. Even if you don’t believe yourself, tell your reflection you can do anything you put your mind too. Maybe make a weird face afterwards or do a sick dance move. If this technique doesn’t at least pump you up, it will distract you from whatever was causing you stress. Trust me, I’ve done this way too many times to be proud of.
2.) Remember, this is your college experience.
Since I chose to go to a college that was 10 minutes away from my house, I quickly learned my college experience would be very different from the experience my friends would have out of state. In my first year of college, this bummed me out big time. Whenever we’d get together over break, I felt that everyone had all these wild stories to share while I was coming up short. But you want to know what I realized? Who cares. Who cares if I’m not having the same experiences as my friends, or as any other college student. This is my experience, and as long as I’m happy with it, that’s enough for me. So, focus on your experience, because this is your time. This is your life. Of course you can still be supportive of your friends experiences, but don’t let their experience knock yours down. Comparison will kick your butt if you let it.
3.) It’s OK to still feel nervous.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, I still get anxious before each semester. I have no idea what’s truly ahead of me this semester and that freaks me out. However, at the end of the day I think it’s alright that I feel this way. Over time my nerves will ease and so will yours as we both grasp whatever is thrown our way.
4.) Interact with others!
If I had a dollar for every time I reminded myself to do this I’d probably be able to pay off my tuition (Haha, not really). College isn’t like high school where you have some weird, social ranking that makes you feel like you’re in "Mean Girls". From my experience, it can be a pretty chill environment full of friendly pals who are just trying to get through this part of adulthood. So, offer smiles and “hello”s anywhere you go. Join clubs or study groups. Or, if your college has an Odyssey group, get involved with that! You’ll connect with awesome writers who can’t wait to meet you.
5.) Experiment with your fashion.
Listen, no one in college cares what you wear. I mean that in the kindest, most positive way possible. This isn’t like high school where dressing up or scrubbing out is going to affect the way your peers look at you. Seriously, wear what you want to your classes. Dress yourself up to the nines or wear your Spongebob pajama pants. Either way you’ll look like a winner in my book.
6.) Find balance.
Balancing school, work, and your social life can be very difficult. Finding the balance can be even harder. I think it’s worth it, though. Whether this means you need to get more organized or sacrifice a few nights out, you have to do what’ll make this experience work for you. It’ll all be worth it in the end and you’ll be coming out on top as one hardworking, mother-trucker.
7.) Try not to let professors intimidate you.
Pfft, easier said than done. Man, maybe this is just me, but it can take me at least a week or two to warm up to professors. Maybe it’s because I’m trying to figure them out or trying to see if those reviews on Rate My Professors hold true. Either way, this has given me more stress than necessary. All I can say is, stick close to the syllabus and use office hours if you need them. Talk to your professor if they seem approachable. If not, network with students who have had them before. Just know you’ve only got them for a semester and hey, you might never see them again afterwards. Plus, they might feel intimidated too with a class full of young adults staring right at them.
8.) Enjoy this experience!
I use the word “experience” a lot in this, huh? Well, it’s a good word. College is a stressful time, there’s no doubt about that. These might not be the best years of your life, like some people claim. We’re juggling adulthood, classes, jobs, relationships, etc, etc. But that’s life isn’t it? With all the stress and negative energy that may come our way through college, we have to remember to seek out and hold onto the good. The good will get us through whatever obstacles are thrown our way. The good will help us create memories and relationships to look back on after we graduate. So, grab your bag and your textbooks and keep an eye out for the good. I think you’ll like what you find.
