As I awaited freshman move-in day, I was overwhelmed with emotions. Of course, I was excited for what this new chapter of life would bring, but I was also overwhelmed with questions and doubts:
- Will I trip on the bricks? (Yes, just play it cool)
- Will I register for all the classes I want? (Definitely not…buy a lifetime Banner Stalker membership)
- And, will I be able to both succeed academically and have a social life?
During my first semester, I struggled to draw the line between work and play. I wanted to have fun with my friends, but I didn’t think I would enjoy parties. On the weekends, I found myself hunched over my desk doing homework instead of having fun. I tried to involve myself in other clubs, but I was still searching for close friendships like I had back home.
I was frustrated with myself. Why was I so unhappy when everyone around me was having such a great time? I began to wonder whether I would ever really enjoy college. These four years are supposed to be the best of my life, and I was wasting time. I wanted to have this so called “college-experience,” but I just couldn’t figure out how.
One day in mid-February, I was in the library with a hall mate when our friend invited us to a party that night. I paused and immediately thought to myself: “It’s a school night…I can’t go out on a Thursday. And wait…I have a bio test tomorrow! I’ll fail if I go out.” But, for some reason I uttered the words, “Sure, I’ll go.” I hadn’t been out to a party since the beginning of fall semester, and I had no idea what to expect. Would I be pressured to drink? Would I find myself heading for the door 5 minutes in or awkwardly standing alone in a corner? But, guess what…none of that happened. Instead, I met new people, and even managed to forget about the Dr. Saha's impending exam. For the first time in months, I stopped worrying about studying, and did something just for me. (Side note: I did not fail the test. Despite my “crazy Thursday,” I earned an A.)
I realized that I needed to embrace every aspect of college life. We come to college for the education, but it’s really the “experience” that you should walk away with. I decided to start doing things just to make me happy. I went to mixers, watched chick flicks with the girls, spent a day sailing in the rain, went for cider walks down Duke of Gloucester Street, and spontaneously walked to chipotle on too many occasions. I also changed my study habits. Rather than waiting until later to do my work, I maximized my time in between classes. And instead of sitting at my desk, I went to the library with friends (Warning: this method can lead to increased spending at Aroma’s and a possible coffee addiction). I found that the more I did to make me happy, the better I actually did academically.
The only regret I have of freshman year is that my “ah-ha” moment didn’t come earlier. College is a collective experience – it’s an education both inside and outside of the classroom. My advice to freshmen: do things that make you happy. Balance between academics and social life is achievable, but it’s something that you have to create for yourself. When you allow yourself to enjoy the little things and break outside of your comfort zone, you will realize why college is the best time of your life.
