Dear Future Freshmen,
If you’re reading this right now, just know that I understand what you’re going through. You just graduated from high school and you’re about to start your journey as a college student. You’re experiencing every emotion possible. You’re happy to be out of high school, sad to see all of your friends go separate ways, mad about the things you wish you would have done before becoming an adult, nervous about starting college, excited to be on your own, and anxious to start your new life. Some people act like this isn’t a big deal, but they are completely wrong. This is one of the biggest moments of your life.
As much as you don’t want to admit it, you know your whole life is about to change. This might seem scary, but trust me it’s going to be okay. I can’t begin to prepare you for exactly what is to come, but I can give you a heads up on what to expect at least.
First off, when you are urged to rush at orientation, do it. You might think that Greek life isn’t for you, but how would you know if you didn’t even give it a try? Greek life isn’t just a bunch of stuck-up people who think they’re better than everyone else. You have many opportunities to help out in the community, you get to be involved on campus, and you make a lot of great friendships that will last a lifetime. You’re not “buying” your friends like most people make it out to be. So when that time comes, definitely don’t miss out on the opportunity. Sign up.
If you decide not to rush, then at least get involved on campus in some way. There are so many great opportunities that come when you get involved, and it makes your college life way more enjoyable. I understand people want to just focus on their grades and there is nothing wrong with that, but you don’t want to be miserable through college either. College is about trying new things and meeting new people, so why not get involved?
Here's some advice on classes. It’s not like high school where you can half-way pay attention one day of the week, and then make an A the day of the test. Unfortunately for you, those days are over. I learned that the hard way. My advice to you is to start studying your notes as soon as you get them each day after class. Nothing says "Welcome to College" worse than a big fat F on your first test.
Also make sure you go to class. I know how hard it is to wake up every day and force yourself out of bed especially once the winter gets here. Trust me though, the inconvenience of getting up early is way better than having to repeat a class that wouldn’t have even been hard if you would have given it some effort. This is what you’re in college for, so be studious and don’t let your grades drop because you will regret that.
Next is for all of the former athletes. Just because you didn’t take your talent into college doesn’t mean it ends here. Since you’re now a college student you can participate in intramural sports, which is basically an amateur sports league in college. They have just about any sport you want to play. I, myself, really enjoy intramurals because you get to experience the fun and love for the game without the pressure and time-consuming hard work. It is basically just another way to get involved and have fun. If your team is good enough, they even have the state tournament for each sport at the end of each semester. I highly recommend that all former athletes at least give this a try.
The last word of advice I’ll give you is to live your life to the fullest and enjoy every step of it. Take as many chances as you can, and never let a good opportunity slip away from you. College is about making mistakes and finding out who you truly are, but if you shelter yourself you’ll never discover that. Don’t be scared to fail because failure comes before improvement and improvement is just another step closer to success. You will have your bad days, but for the most part these days will be the best days of your life.
With that being said l hope you take this advice and use it your freshman year. Life is like a rollercoaster, but while you’re on it you might as well enjoy the ride and that is exactly how college will be. I wish you the best of luck during your freshman year.
Sincerely,
An Experienced Sophomore
P.S. Follow me on social media and if you ever have any questions or concerns I’ll be more than happy to help you out.