This is an open letter to incoming freshmen coming to not only my campus, but campuses all over the world. This is one of many letters that I plan on writing, so consider this a lesson on day one. A lot of people from my personal life are leaving to start their academic journeys, and I can't be more proud of them. As we wonder what we're going to do with our lives, and as we wander through the quads of our campuses, it can be a little overwhelming at times. The prices of textbooks roam around our heads as we continue to wonder how we're going to afford to pursue our education. This open letter should hopefully break down some key points for all incoming freshmen as they begin a new life journey.
Dear Freshmen,
Hello! Welcome to college! I know, all of these buildings and your class schedule can be a little overwhelming, but I just need you to take a deep breath for me, okay? I promise, these four years are going to be great, but they can only be great if you put in the effort to make them great. Take it from me: I was a scared freshman two years ago wandering around campus, relying on my sister to point me in the direction that I was going. I had no campus map, I had no friends, my boyfriend was still a senior in high school at the time, and I knew no one in any of my classes. I got to campus super early, because I commute, and decided to scope the place out.
Not only was I going to get the most exercise I had ever done in my life in these four years, but it was going to take a lot of getting used to, for sure. In high school, you can tell what grade someone's in just by the way that they act, the designated spots that they stand in/eat lunch at, and generally who they hang around. In college? Don't expect that. I honestly just assumed everyone was a senior or freshman, and there was no in between for me to decipher. During that first day, I made eye contact with absolutely no one, because I knew my sister was the only person that I could talk to.
The problem with that logic? My sister was a junior and I was a freshman, and we only had one class together. That meant that I was on my own in the 'making of friends' department. I walked around campus for what seemed like hours, trying to memorize all the buildings and what was in them. This seemed like it was going to be impossible. But I soon took comfort in the one place that I knew that I would fit in: the library. Food, computers, AC...it had everything. Plus, I met some really cool people while studying in the library. And trust me, if you need to study in quiet, there are places for you, and other people who study just like you do!
Make sure you know what day of the week it is, because going to the wrong class can be totally embarrassing. But don't worry, we've all done it! If you think it's Friday but it's actually Thursday, just casually accept the fact that you were wrong and head to your other class. Professors, in my experience, give you a little leeway the first week, anyway.
Take notice of the people in your classes, also. That's how I met a lot of my friends, honestly. These people will be in your space for at least 15 weeks, so get used to them! They're actually the coolest people you'll ever meet! Take these first few weeks to adjust; I know it's going to be rough, but I know you'll make it through!
