Dear Freshmen,
As a senior looking back on my last three years in college, I can't help but be jealous of you. You are just beginning the best chapter of your lives while mine is quickly coming to a close. Some of you may be a little scared while others have been ready to branch out for a while, but what you all have in common is the blank slate you have in front of you. This is your chance to start fresh and make new memories with new people. You may not know it now, but the moments you experience in these next four years will shape you into the person you are meant to become. As I look at your fresh new faces, I can't help but offer some words of advice.
Branch out. I know it's frightening to be in a new place with unknown faces. At times like these it's easy to do what feels comfortable, like hanging out with people you knew from high school or going home on weekends, but if I could tell you one thing, it's to branch out. Make friends with people in your classes and dorms. You're not the only one going through this process and I promise you that you will find friends of a lifetime here.
Get involved. You probably hear this all the time, but I cannot stress enough how important this is to your college career. Joining clubs and organizations on campus will benefit you in so many ways. Not only will it build up your resume, but you will meet new people with the same interests as you and gain new experiences along the way. So find something you're passionate about and become a part of it.
Get to know your professors. Professors will be your greatest mentors throughout college. They are here to support you and guide you through the process, so it's important to build those relationships with them to gain knowledge and advice. This is especially important when you get into coursework for your major.
Go to class. It's easy to get distracted in college. It's easy to skip class when you're tired and you don't have parents telling you otherwise, but I'm telling you it's a bad idea. The more classes you skip, the more work you'll miss, and the more stressed you'll be trying to catch up in the course. So get yourself into a routine, get out of bed, and get to class.
Have fun. This is the most important. Yes, grades are crucial to your success in college, but none of it would be worth it without the memories made along the way. So take that newly placed freedom and run with it. Go out with your friends, pull all-nighters, explore and get the most out of your college experience.
