Dear J,
Freshman year of college is one of the strangest times of your life. You're somewhere in between being a real adult and being a teenager who still relies of others. Experiencing all the firsts of college can be overwhelming, but every experience leads to something better. Just remember, you got this!
1. Just be yourself!
Often times, in college, people feel the need to reinvent themselves -- to get away from the person they were before and start fresh. While changing is great and all, you shouldn't lose who you are in the process.
2. Put yourself out there.
All too often, we find ourselves stuck in a corner wishing for this and wanting that. College is about experiencing new things and meeting new people. If you don't put yourself out there, you will never know your full potential.
3. Use your time wisely.
College leaves you with a lot of free time. It's how you use your free time that counts. Get assignments out of the way, recharging, or doing something you enjoy -- reading, drawing, running.
4. Be kind to yourself.
Make sure you are taking time to care for yourself. Go to sleep at a decent time, use kind words when talking about yourself, go for a long walk, or spend time with friends. Yes, making good grades is important, but so are you.
5. Get a good planner.
Finding a good planner is key. It allows you to schedule your day and plan out events. You can also write down all your assignments, so you'll always be ready for that midterm or presentation.
6. Pay attention in class.
I know the thought of pulling out your phone in a big lecture hall is tempting, but try your best to stay engaged in the lesson. You never know what you might miss while checking your phone.
7. Find opportunities to gain experience in the field you're interested in.
Ask your counselor about internships, find a mentor, or simply shadow someone for a day.
8. Major in what you want.
Don't choose a major because your parents said you should or you're friends doing that major too. Follow your passions - and if you don't quite know what they are, try out a few things.
9. Be kind to everyone you meet.
In college, it's very easy to be selfish and think only about yourself, but it's important to be nice to everyone around you because you have no idea what's going on in their life.
10. Make mistakes, in fact, make a bunch.
College is one of the only times you can make mistakes and still be okay. Use this time to learn.
11. Talk to your family. In a time where everything is new, it's so important to rely on the constants in your life especially your family. They know you the best out of anyone in your life, never hesitate to reach out for help.
