college experience
Start writing a post
Student Life

12 Things My Class Of  Freshmen Taught Me About My Own College Experience

I'm a senior, so I should know this stuff right?

131
12 Things My Class Of  Freshmen Taught Me About My Own College Experience

Three years ago my parents dropped me off at my college campus, with a new laptop, a twin xl bedspread, and some packages of Ramen Noodles. And somehow this thrust me into "adulthood" as if owning a shower caddy and a new student ID gave you the sudden ability to transform from a seventeen-year-old to a "grown-up" who knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life, and how she was going to accomplish it. Fun fact: she didn't, and sometimes, she still doesn't.

But in the years since, I feel like I've grown a little more into that "adult" role. I know what I want to demand out of my own life. I have aspirations, career goals, and personal triumphs that I hope one day come to fruition. I have a plan. Yeah, sometimes it's a really messy plan. Sure, sometimes I still feel like I'm five playing dress up in my Mom's closet, pretending to be a grown woman who knows what the heck she's doing. But something about being halfway through my senior year of college reminds me that I have it a little more figured out than I used to.

I'm not always 100% confident in everything I've done while I've been here, but there's one thing I am certain of, attending the University of Kentucky was the best choice I could have made--and it shows.

One thing I've had the opportunity to do in my time in college is to teach UK 101, a class for freshman that teaches students to implement successful academic strategies, learn to get involved on campus, and how to make the most of their time at the University of Kentucky. This semester was my third time being a peer-instructor for the course, and on Tuesday, I finished my last class with the students. And while I got up every week in front of 25 students and talked about my experience, at UK and in doing so, it taught me so much about my own college career and reminded me of what I've learned along the way.

Start your college adventure with confidence, but don't forget where you came from...

Remember the house (and the hometown) that built you.

...and who you're leaving behind as you go. 

Call home often. You're mom wants to hear your voice, and though you may not realize it, you need to hear hers to.

Get involved

As soon, and as much as possible. In teaching lessons on student involvement, I was reminded of why I joined my sorority, became a volunteer service dog sitter, offered to write for my school newspaper, became an ambassador for my college, and looked for opportunities to plug into campus.

And on that note, don't be afraid to try something that you never thought you would

Going into college, I never thought of myself as being a "sorority girl". But when I got to UK and met strong, compassionate, smart, independent, service-minded Greek women, I knew I wanted to become one.

Find ways to give back to your campus community

Volunteering on my campus and the surrounding city has given me a sense of community that I was scared I would lose when I left home for college.

You can study all you want, but you won't really succeed until you pursue a degree in a field you care about

Don't do it unless you absolutely love it. I was happiest when I was taking classes that I really cared about--and my grades showed it.

Find your people

The friends you make in college are unlike any that you made before, and will make after. Hold on to them.

Learning to speak well in front of people is a really valuable skill

So so crucial, no matter where you go in life.

Explore the city that your university is located in

Learn what makes it special. Find your favorite place. Eventually, it will become your second home.

Have school spirit; be proud of your university

You picked your school because it was the right place for you. Wear your team's jersey, scream the fight song and remember why you were so excited to go there in the first place.

Pursue every opportunity

Apply for the internship you thought you wouldn't get. Take the really hard class that you think you can't pass. You may just surprise yourself.

Remember who you are and grow into the person you were meant to become

College is a journey that leads you to become who you are supposed to be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

38542
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?

22896
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.

949377
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
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

126517
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments