I remember one year ago, still excited to fling that cap up in the air and holding out the peace signs to high school. I told myself I would NEVER miss high school and college would be the best thing ever.
I also remember being the first person to sign up for orientation and messing with my class schedule 600 times trying to find that perfect class schedule and realizing I will still have early classes because #freshmanthings.
I remember dorm room shopping — looking for the bedding that was SO me and my froomie, and I remember picking which kind of ball lights were the cutest. This may be you or this may not be you, but I wanted to share what I wish I had known.
1. Do not settle for less
Do not settle for the friendships that are fake. I know that as an extroverted person, I settled for a LOT of unhealthy friendships in college just to fill that void. Once I realized how unhealthy and harmful this was for me, I changed my friendships.
2. It is worth the wait
It is worth the wait for good friendships. It may take six months like it did for me to find some great Christian gal pals, but it was SO worth it.
3. Call mom
I said I never would. I told everyone that I would NEVER get homesick. Jokes on me — I called home at least four to five times a day. (Maybe that was too much, but hey, it helped!)
4. Failing a test is not abnormal
I remember barely (I mean barely—thanks to extra credit) passing my first math test. I had never even been close to failing a test. It is normal to have these tests. College is a huge adjustment and you are not supposed to know how to do everything. Study hard, go to office hours, and try your hardest, but none of this prepares you for the pressure you feel during your first college test.
5. Take time for yourself
Go read a book in an Eno. Do a devotion. Take a nap. You need time to refresh or you will be drained. I was definitely drained for the first few weeks because I wanted to go to every single freshman welcome thing. Pick a few you think you will enjoy, but skip some.
6. Have fun!
Go rock climbing at the gym. Go to some random sporting event you thought you would hate.
You've got this. Do not worry about it and know that you always have those wise fools (sophomores) as a resource for you.
