I can't believe I've been here for three entire years. I definitely forget that I'm a junior sometimes and I definitely still introduce myself as a sophomore sometimes, and then I realize I'm doing it and I'm like "whoaaa."
But I feel as though I've gained a lot of knowledge from being here, not just about college but about life as a newly minted adult. But there are quite a few things that I wish my current self could tell me freshman self so she wouldn't have had to struggle so much. And I also don't want anyone else to have to struggle in the same way I did. So, here are 10 things I wish I'd known as a freshman.
You're Not Gonna Meet Your Best Friend on Day One
I know that that does happen to some people and that's super great! However, that isn't my experience at all. I was alone for a while here and I think it made me stronger. Also, I know my friends are good quality people since it didn't happen quickly.
If You're Not Involved, You Won't Meet Anyone
I've had so many people be like, ah I haven't met any friends in college, what do I do? And My first question is always, "well, are you involved in anything?" And inevitably, they say no. Then I'm like, well obviously start there! If you're not going out and getting involved in anything at all, how do you expect to meet anyone? And that doesn't necessarily mean going out just because other people do. But join a club or participate in an activity or sport, or even come to campus and dorm events wherever you live. Just, do something! and don't expect people to just show up at your door or drop out of the sky.
...But Don't Get Too Involved
My freshman year, I decided to commit myself to EVERYTHING because I've always been involved in things. But now, I actually have to run these organizations and it's a bit stressful. Also, because I chose certain ones, there are things I never got to experience or get involved in and that makes me a little upset.
Most People Aren't That Smart
I don't mean that in a way that I think I'm superior, I just really expected to meet people who also pushed themselves and achieved at a high level when I came to college, but it seems that not as many people as I'd hoped care about academics. That being said, never fear that everyone is doing better than you because they probably aren't.
Nobody Is Actually Ready For The Real World
If you really don't know what you're gonna do after school, that's okay. No one does. We're all just trying to graduate. And even for the people who have their life figured out like I think I do, their plans can still change. So, don't ever feel like you're behind in any way.
You're Gonna Have A Meltdown About Your Major
It's inevitable! Even if you like your major, you may see something within your specific college or school that seems more attractive than your original major. Or maybe you switch paths completely. That's normal. But always trust your gut because only you know what's best for you when choosing what to study.
Four Years Really Isn't That Long
If there's something you've always wanted to do, now's that time. You only have four years and sometimes it can seem long but truly I looked up and now I'm a junior and it really do be like that. So do that thing. Join that organization. Write that poem. Take those pictures. Go on that vacation. Get that tattoo. Whatever it may be. If you wait and look up, your time will be over.
I really wish these were lessons someone had taught me because I kept thinking it wasn't normal or I was the only one struggling. I know now that that isn't the case and I hope I can impart the same knowledge upon someone else.