Dear Freshman self,
Freshman year will be challenging in ways that you could have never anticipated. Your life will improve, and then suddenly get worse, and the cycle will continue so many times that the experience will feel unbearable at points. But the pain endured will make the recovery even sweeter. Here are some lessons that you will learn along the way.
Be willing to embrace change.
You will fear large life changes because you fear your inadequacies to adapt to such changes. Change can also be to one's benefit, and no one can advance or improve if they are not willing to make the fundamental changes necessary to do so.
Allow yourself to learn.
There’s a difference between being present and participating. Presence is a mere physical obligation; you decided to sit in a classroom. Participate by actively engaging yourself in your learning. Ask questions too. You’ll learn much more in this engagement. Learning should not be a chore, but rather, an active approach.
Don’t feel bad about doing less.
Every semester, you’ll be presented with new opportunities - options to say yes or no. Don’t assume that you can do a better job than someone else. Give them the opportunity when you should not take it. Do more in the organizations you care about my joining less organizations. Take that leadership role, if you qualify. Engage yourself in what you believe really matters.
Allow yourself to be helped.
Your first year will be difficult in ways that you can not anticipate. Asking for help when necessary is not a sign of weakness, but a way to prevent yourself from suffering alone.Remember those friends who listened to you? Voice your concerns to them. They’re not trained therapists or doctors, but they certainly care about what happens to you. They’ll be there for you in your hardest moments. They will go out of their way to help you. Do not feel like a burden to them. Remember that they want to help you.
Finally, believe in yourself. You will struggle, but you will also advance much further than you could ever imagine.
Sincerely,
The Person you are today
