This is a response to 10 Things Learned My Freshman Year of College

After reading the post regarding things learned during freshman year in college, I knew I related, but to a different degree. As I leave behind my sophomore year in college, entering upperclassmen status when I return in the fall, there are so many things that I wish I did differently in the first half of my college years.

Yes, I do believe that everything happens for a reason and I would not change anything that happened but in the case I was given the opportunity, following are things I would do differently.

Getting more involved in the first few weeks.

While I am happy with how things worked out for me, I think being more social and approachable during the first few weeks, both of my freshman and sophomore year would have been helpful. Whether it was going to the involvement fair and signing up for more things, going to as many interest meetings as possible, applying for every opportunity that interests me, or simply reaching out to more people, all these things would have perhaps made me more connected to my campus than I am right now.

Say yes to more things.

Coming to college, it is understandable to be wary of new things and people, I know that I definitely was in both my years. Even though I say yes to doing more things, maybe if I started saying yes earlier, I wouldn’t have missed out on certain opportunities or experiences.

Take better care of myself.

During both my fall semesters, I got sick and I knew the reasons why too- It’s because I didn’t drink enough water, or not take a jacket when it was cold outside, even though I should have. It could have also been not taking medicine or pulling too many all nighters. Regardless, I am better at taking care of myself now but if I had learned the ways earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten so sick.

Accept that college is a change and embrace it rather than trying to fight it.

I think for so long, I knew myself and did not accept college as the change it is. I thought that my way of doing things was the only right way and I was completely sure of only my views. Now, things are different and I embrace the changes in myself and how I interact with others, these changes are natural for everyone who attends college- I know that now.