Dear Sophomore Year Renee,
Hey there, it's Pre-first-day-of-sophomore-year-Renee. I know it's crazy that we are getting started here. To be honest, it still feels like freshman year for me. But hey, I'm excited for you to start this year. So it's going to be weird figuring out all this adulting stuff. I feel like most college students really start doing "big-kid" adult things their sophomore year, and look at this, here we are. For starters, you are in a house this year (big things), which is very different from the comfort of living in an on-campus dorm. The dorms were great and all, you had the perks of meeting new people everyday and always seeing familiar faces in the halls, but now you are in a house and you can't just run down the hall to knock on your friends door. You also had a meal plan freshmen year. Life without that meal plan is something you're going to have to figure out/ already starting to figure out. So now, with new roommates, new classes, and most importantly new dining arrangements I, Pre-first-day-of-sophomore-year-Renee, wanted to create some goals for you as you start this new school year.
1. Become more involved on campus.
Being "new" on campus isn't an excuse anymore (C'mon Renee). You need to be more confident and willing to introduce yourself to new people and new activities. YOU GO TO A WONDERFUL UNIVERSITY, take advantage of all it has to offer!
2. Develop good relationships with professors/ allow people to become your mentors.
They happen to be very intelligent people. Don't be afraid to ask more questions to your teachers and your peers. Your education is important, so make the most of what your professors tell you and take their advice. Reach out to upperclassmen in your major as well, they always have great suggestions and tips for you.
3. Try something new every once in a while.
I mean, hey good job Renee for signing up for that Intro to Hip-Hop class this semester. That's a start because you are 100% not a dancer, let alone a cool looking hip-hop dancer! Try some new clubs too – this will help you meet more people and expand your interests and activities. TRY NEW FOODS, there are so many interesting foods that you haven't tasted, maybe don't always order chicken fingers. (Even though chicken fingers are so delicious and you might always want to order them)
4. Take the time to make someone smile everyday.
It's the little things like saying "hi" to fellow classmates on campus that can easily turn a day around for someone. You know it makes you so happy when someone is excited to see you – so be excited to share a hello with someone everyday!
5. Learn how to make something other than your bomb scrambled eggs.
I know you're pretty new to the cooking game. It's alright, I'll cut you some* slack for all the food that will somehow become inedible after you bring it to the kitchen. (noted: some*, but seriously you watch all those BuzzFeed food videos, you might have a secret talent that hasn't been revealed yet...fingers crossed). I know the scrambled eggs are easy and you make them super tasty, but if you eat eggs for every meal you might finish the year as an egg, so let's not be egg Renee by the end of this year.
6. BE HAPPY.
You are going into a great year, with great friends, and great potential. You got this Sophomore Renee, kill it and love it.
-xo
Pre-first-day-of-sophomore-year-Renee
