1. "My New Philosophy" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Here's a #accurate version of me my entire first semester. With the freedom to build your own schedule and explore what's on campus comes an abundance of ideas. You're finally free to learn about what all of the most renowned writers hold as their personal philosophy and there'll be a lot of them you will unexpectedly learn to like. You'll keep incorporating them into your personal life, and if you get bored- you'll find a new one in no time.
2. "The Harvard Variations" from Legally Blonde
Do not get me wrong, your college choice is usually the right one and it is mostly going to be a wonderful place. That being said, the stress of applying to college causes some people you meet to take longer to stop rambling off their resumes. It'll surprise you that not everyone is as prepared/mature as you can be, but you'll empathize on the days that you come to class without a pen. Sometimes you'll be one of the people to sound like this, but that's okay! Don't be surprised if these people end up being your closest friends, because eventually, you'll all grow out of it together.
3. "Breathe" from In the Heights
Another note on your first semester: there will be SO much stress. Not that you can't handle it, it'll just be very different from what you'll be typically used to. On top of handling your work, you're handling a new kind of pressure to impress, make friends, and find pride in your background. Breathe is the mantra to live by when all that gets overwhelming: every single day.
4. "My Shot" from Hamilton
Mid-semester, midterms are a-COMING and here you are all inspired by your books out and ready to go. You've got the playlist for focus, you've realized college is one of many places to find HORDES of opportunity, and now you are not throwing away YOUR SHOT.
5. "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun
You did really well on a test or in a class right before the break, and you're in that phase where you think you not only know everything but that you have all the answers. Things are working, they seem clear, and you're becoming competitive. Good for you. Careful with how you come off with this attitude, though, because it'll only help when you're in a heated discussion or trying to prove a point (with the help of all your newest and latest philosophy).
6. "Coffee Break" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
For me, this is tea. For most people, though, this is coffee. I probably won't even have to explain this one, but once you find your life source you'll be so happy you did. It'll keep you going on that full day of classes, and for all your late nights memorizing last minute.
7. "Seize the Day" from the Newsies
You have got your life source, coffee, tea, lemon water, whatever! You are ready to seize the day, and once again come up from the bog that is your papers and drafts inspired because by some miracle (otherwise known as hard work/being prepared) you have actually hit all the deadlines.
8. "Moving Too Fast" from The Last Five Years
This is another success post-inspiration attachment. Repetitive in style? Yes. Except, it totally differs from your first because after midterms you'll have a better grip on what's really going on campus. Kudos to you for your second whirl of success!
9. "Why Can't the English" from My Fair Lady
Ah finally, what is probably your most necessary part of the first semester. You have gotten a grade that isn't what you thought, or sent an email to a professor that sounds more like a text message than a formal email. This is the humbling moment of your first semester, that you more than likely didn't see coming because you've been all about you. Confused, surprised, shocked at the lack of basic understanding when you read your first draft of an essay (me, every time), you're probably lying if you think this isn't too accurate a picture of you at some point in the first semester.
10. "Everything's Coming Up Roses" from Gypsy
YOU DID IT!! CONGRATS, you've succeeded in getting through your first semester as an adult. You deserve to feel good, and going into next semester you will be so much more prepared. Brilliant job. You're probably a different person from the one you were 5 months ago, but that's a good thing. Keep it up, it's a change you've probably learned to appreciate.
