You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."
—Dr. Seuss
I wish I was back in your spot. I wish I was starting my journey to the best four years of my life all over again. If I can give you any bit of advice, it would be first to enjoy your last summer as a high school kid. This summer is going to fly by, and you will be packing up your bags before you know it.
Believe me when I tell you that college goes by in a flash. Everything kind of just blends together. I am not a senior, so I probably don't understand how fast college goes by just yet, but I do know that college has impacted me in ways that are unexplainable.
I have had the opportunities to create memories with people I will never forget. As you enter your freshman year, you should know that college is a roller coaster of experiences. These experiences will be taught in and out of the classroom. You will learn how to procrastinate the right way and still get a good grade on a term paper. You will learn how to successfully shotgun a beer. You will learn the remedies of different hangovers. Most importantly, you will learn lessons that will shape you into the beautiful, experienced, awesome person you are.
The first two years of my college experience have been spent remembering all the times I was back in high school and when things were "simple." I wish someone had told me that college is a time for you to explore and not to reflect on the past. There are always things left to discover, and you should take all the opportunities you can get.
Make sure to make new friends, college is there for you to meet all kinds of people. BUT do not lose your friends from high school either. Those friends are the ones who grew up with you and who know where you come from.
Make sure to explore all of your opportunities whether it's joining Greek Life or joining a random club (I totally regret not joining the Quidditch team). You will only be selling yourself short by limiting your circle. Opening myself up to different opportunities freshman year forced me to grow up a little, and led to experiences that I will never forget.
Take classes outside your major. You have to anyway to get electives so you might as well take some classes that interest you. I took my first Religious Studies class this year, and now I am a Religious Studies Major.
Go to your classes. I know it's easy to just hit the snooze button without your parents yelling at you to get up or for being late for class. Just don't get behind on your work, and everything will be okay.
A note on college bars: I know you are excited to go out and feel cool going to the bars instead of being in a crowded house basement, but sorry to say, the same people you would see at that house party or frat party are the same people you will see at the bar. Also, you will get sick of the bars, mark my words.
Your freshman year roommate will either be the best or the worst. (Shout to you Lizz, you were awesome).
College throws learning curves at you every day. You will have to adjust and find your place, but when you do, college will be the most rewarding experience. The last thing you want is for graduation to come around and when you feel like you haven't experienced all that you could have.
Appreciate all the hard work of those around you and those who gave you the opportunity to come to college.
Freshman year is a roller coaster, but the ride is absolutely worth it.
Love Always,
A Sophomore Wishing She Were Back in Your Shoes
