Dear Freshman,
Welcome to what is arguably going to be the best four years you've experienced in your life so far. Many new and exciting things are going to be thrown at you, especially in these first few months. You're going to meet and talk to more people than you've ever had to before. Seriously, just start rehearsing answers to the "What is your major?" "What brought you to this school?" and "Tell me a little about yourself." questions -- you'll answer them AT LEAST once a week this year). But in all seriousness your world has just opened up like never before. Your parents are gone, and even if you go to a school that doesn't give free reign to its students staying on campus, you're still basically living by the rules you set for yourself. This is an awesome, scary, and exciting time. I promise, even if you don't like it yet, you will.
But to all of you who are starting this journey and trying to figure out what kind of college experience you want to have, I just want to remind you that this season of your life is only four years. Four years out of your whole life. In the grand scheme of things, that's not that long. While those four years are packed with more than most of us experience in the 18 years leading up to, it will still fly by and be over faster than you ever could have imagined.
DON'T WASTE IT.
A lot can happen in four years. You can finally become the man or woman that God has designed you to be, or you can become a version of yourself that you don't even recognize (just a heads up--most of you will experience both of these feelings at some point in this growing adventure, that's OK. It means you're figuring out life and trying to figure out who you are. Keep pressing on). These two things could also be one in the same for you. I know there are many parts of myself that look nothing like the girl that got dropped off at a campus in South Carolina four years ago. But in those four years, I've slowly learned a couple of things that I wish I could've grasped a lot sooner.
For one---
Pick the right friends. This isn't high school anymore. There isn't a "cool" crowd that you need to worry about trying to fit into. Find the people who will love you, encourage you, and will ACTUALLY be there for you. These are the friends you're most likely going to be putting in your wedding, bringing home to meet your family, and keeping for life. Make sure they're good ones.
Second---
Have fun. Take trips. Go camping. Go hiking. Get out and do things with people that will give you the memories that will stay with you far longer than these four years. Say yes to hanging out with people you may not have before, and go places you've always wanted to go. Get out of your comfort zone. It will never be easier to check things off your bucket list than when you're this young and free.
Lastly---
There will be so many things that will want your attention. You will have to choose what get's your priority. I would encourage you to let God have that number one spot and never, no matter how busy, lonely, angry you get, or whatever the feelings may encounter, NEVER let Him slip from that No. 1 position. College is hard. Not even so much in the book part of college but in the spiritual part of college. The world will try to convince you that you're strong enough to make it on your own now. It will tell you that the things it has to offer you will give you the best experience. It's lying. Trust me, never confuse "fun" for the best.
Enjoy this ride guys. It's so sweet and truly a gift from God.
