To A College Freshman As You Finish Up Your First Year
Start writing a post
Student Life

To A College Freshman As You Finish Up Your First Year

When life gets hard count your blessings, and start with every breath.

12
To A College Freshman As You Finish Up Your First Year
Deme McDowell

So I did it, barely, and not well may I add, but I did it. I finished my freshman year at University and my final breath of fresh air with no upcoming due dates, tests, essays or classes feels really damn good.

When I was fourteen years old I took a drivers ed class like any other aspiring young driver and something my instructor said to me really resonated. He said "you only get to panic at the wheel if you are on fire, the cars on fire, you are slipping on ice, the brakes won't work and, you're on the wrong side of the road," well college feels a lot like that scenario.

There were so many times when I just thought I can't do this, I don't want to do this, its too much for me. As challenging as this first year was I'd like to remind ever student in the same situation I am, that its just school. I know, that sounds like the understatement of the year, but its true. Sometimes you have to step back and simplify your situation for your own sanity.

I won't say "well other people are starving," or "other people barely make ends meet," and "look how privileged you are," because even though all those things are true, if this is the situation you are in and you think its tough, well than that's it.

As I reflect on my freshman year, even through all my failures, I still see all my blessings. I am blessed to attend a university, I am blessed to have made all the amazing friends that I have,and I am blessed to have support from my family.

I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to fail.

Sounds silly, right?

But I failed a few tests, got my self into some silly trouble and my life went on. I learned from my mistakes and I get to take on another chapter of this wild ride and for that I am blessed.

No matter the outcome of your year whether it be you got straight A's, failed a class, made friends, lost friends, realized you miss home more than you thought, whether you succeeded or whether you failed. You are blessed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

82314
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

49892
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

982453
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments