To Freshman Me As I Become A Senior, Don't Give Up | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

To Freshman Me As I Become A Senior, Don't Give Up

The obstacles haven't been easy, but I'm so grateful for the lessons I've learned because of them.

230
To Freshman Me As I Become A Senior, Don't Give Up

Dear Freshman Jake,

I cannot believe it sometimes, but I'm approaching senior year now. In the three years since I began my time in university, I have had a myriad of experiences, things I think are worthy of reflecting on to you. There are so many different lessons I have come across during my time, and I think they are valuable to write about.

They may not take effect immediately, but they are important to cherish.

For one, continue trying to believe in yourself. It is a long, arduous process. It is full of twists and turns and is very much a process that is one step forward and two steps back. At the end of the day, however, you'll find the confidence to do things you never thought possible. Like run for president of a club, found another one, start lab research and so many other things. You'll find it worth it in the end.

Secondly, continue exploring who you are. You may not know it, but there are so many untapped fields of interests you were never aware either existed or that you'd find interesting. You'll soon discover that college, whether via the extracurricular activities or the courses, will present new interests to you, whether that be politics, philosophy, different sports or even medical ethics. You'll find that there is so much to be fascinated by, and I want you to always continue to explore that.

Another lesson I have managed to take from my time in college is that, while challenging, those obstacles will help you develop as a person and a student. Whether that be in a class like organic chemistry, where you'll resort to every resource in your repertoire, or biochemistry and cellular biology, which you'll study day after day to understand. You'll find that while these classes can certainly be challenging, they can be overcome with your studying. You'll come to not only learn how to be a better student, but you'll discover more about how you function as a person and how much you truly love your major. Carry that with you.

Lastly, following from that, do not give in. Do not cede to those classes. It gets tough. You may want to cry and you may want to just give up. Those classes will hit you like a ton of bricks. They'll frustrate you and vex you, saddling you with the responsibility of figuring it all out when it seems like you will never understand it. Here's the thing, you will understand it. With time and dedication, you'll figure it out, you just need to have the patience to believe it'll happen.

I know that this might seem a bit premature to write you this now. However, there has been so much I have learned since you first stepped into Middletown High School all those years ago. It may feel like it drags on at times, but college is going to breeze right past you. Grab a hold of something and follow the flow, but keep your head focused on the goal, the one thing you've always wanted.

There, you'll find the balance needed to learn how to be yourself and focus on the prize. Keep going, kid.

Sincerely,

Jake.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

86128
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

11485
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments