It seems like just yesterday that my senior year was drawing to a close. Prom season was just around the corner and thoughts of graduation started to become a reality. Every time I walk down a hallway or went to a class I realized that could be the last time I spoke to those people. Finally on graduation day, when I received my diploma and moved my tassel from right to left, it became real to me that I had finished one chapter of my life and was ready to move on to the next. Although I did not know it then, the next year of my life would be filled with highs and lows, tears of joy and of sadness but also memories that I will cherish forever. All of these emotions and moments can better be described as my Freshman year of college. So for those of you who are about to embark on this journey called college, here is some advice for you.
1. Enjoy life at home because once college starts everything is bound to change
Those last few weeks of the summer when you cannot sleep at night because you are so excited for college life to start remember that once the school year starts you will probably not be able to come home very often. Take in the smell of the house on a Saturday morning when breakfast is being made, capture the wagging of your dogs' tail when they are excited to see you and most of all enjoy your mom's homage mac n' cheese because chances are there will be nothing like it at college.
2. Cherish the time that you have with your parents before coming to college
Believe it or not your parents will cry when they leave you at the door step of your dorm room. While you are still at home spend as much time as you can with them because its not everyday that you will be able to ask your mom if an outfit looks okay or your dad to go out and have a catch with you. So cherish these moments while you can.
3. When you step on campus for the first time as a freshman don't freak out
At orientation when there is a million signs telling you where you need to go and people flocking towards you with papers needing to be signed, stop and take a deep breath because everything will get done so just take one task at a time. Make sure to ask questions to make sure you are at the right place and remember to smile because many of the people you come in contact with will soon be your classmates and friends.
4. Get involved
This is probably one of the most important pieces of advice that a high school senior should take. If you don't join any clubs or a sports team then the next four years at college will be very boring. Stay connected with the activities that go on on campus because it is here that you will meet a lot of your friends. Make the most of your money and get involved because college isn't cheap so why not get involved in as much as you can and make your college experience worth it.
5. Try new things
It's easy to come into college and continue to do the exact same routine that you did in high school. This may include the same type of activities, same friends, etc. However, it is important to branch out from the norms and try new things. College is all about experiencing things that you will remember for the rest of your life. You will only be able to experience these things if you open yourself up to new things.
6. Be willing to meet new people
Keep an open mind when you meet people for the first time because you never know if that person will be one of your best friends. College is a time where you meet the people that will be in your wedding some day and you will keep in touch with the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and meet someone new. If you open yourself up to meeting new people then the possibilities are endless to the people who you might meet.
7. Don't be afraid to do something spontaneous
College can be tough because you have to try to balance all of your daily activities. Class schedules and extracurricular activities can dictate your daily routine. It is important to add some spontaneity into daily life. Some of the best things in life are not planned and unexpected. Doing things that are unexpected can add excitement and intrigue to an otherwise dull day. These are also the moments that you will tell your kids about like the time that you went to Sheetz at two in the morning and got pulled over. These spontaneous moments make the best memories and are the most remembered.
At the end of the day everyone will have a different and most unique college experience but your Freshman year is a crucial year because it is here that you will set the tone for the next four years of your college career. As I am coming to the end of my first year of college I have experienced all of the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter but I know I have come out a stronger and more well rounded person.
