Each year of college brings new experiences, attitudes, perspectives, and lessons. The fast-paced environments- both academic and social- can lead you to learn, grow and thrive in ways you never expected.
Remember when you were a senior in high school and everyone told you to savor that feeling of being at the top of the world school pyramid? Well, congratulations for surviving your interim years of repeating the #freshmeat and #sophomoreslump lives and welcome back. The junior/senior status easily imply your higher partying tolerance tact and wisdom.
Expectation: So glad we don't have to deal with dining hall food anymore!
Reality: "All I can make is cold cereal and maybe toast"
Expectation: Involvement fair is just for freshman. I signed up for everything!
Reality: *Is still trying to get off the email list of the rugby team.*
Expectation: Homesickness is for the weak
Reality: *Sees one thing at school that makes you think of your family.*
"I wanna go home"
Expectation: I can't wait to have my own Pinterest-esque apartment!
Reality: "I've got bills, they're multiplying"
Expectation: Woohoo, only 2 more years of doing school! Looking forward to bigger and better things!
Reality: Hey, @time: Could you, like, chill for a sec
They say good things come to those who wait. Lowerclassmen– Remember to adhere to #seniority because you will want and expect it when it's your turn. But also remember to use upperclassmen to your advantage! Take notes on their habits, personality traits, and experiences of which you would like to emulate.
And let those role models know that you admire who they are or what they do. Everyone could use a solid phrase of praise, and it only reminds you of your values and aspirations as well as further perpetuates the motivation, dedication, and actions of the overachievers' do-gooders.
However, by no means are upperclassmen always on a pedestal. It's often a stage of changing minds, new responsibilities, and seemingly constant chaos. Yet in the end, whether you are approaching, in progress of, or past your college years, we are all simply humans trying to figure out life together. Branch out, make mistakes, say yes, say no, and leave your mark on the world!
