A Freshman's Reflection Of 2016
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Freshman's Reflection Of 2016

What makes a college Freshman's reflection of the year anymore valuable than anyone else?

28
A Freshman's Reflection Of 2016
ImageList.com

Three hundred sixty-five days; how can you possibly sum that up into a sentence? Even into a paragraph for that matter. As a college freshman, so many milestones take place throughout those days: the senior “lasts” (last homecoming, last prom, last day of high school), graduation, eighteenth birthday, moving to college, and the freshman “firsts” (first exam, first frat party, first pound of the freshman fifteen). Again, how can you sum that up?

Honestly, those milestones are almost meaningless. Yes, I got a degree, became an “adult”, and started college, but I wouldn’t remember all of those things without scrolling through the 2016 Photo Album on my phone. So I’m sitting in front of my laptop trying to piece together this change and explain who I am compared to who I was. What words do you use? I didn’t drastically grow up because, let’s face it, college freshmen aren’t adults. Heck, some of us just discovered what a dryer sheet was less than four months ago. I didn’t become some alter ego of my high school self. I didn’t have some life changing moment where I realized I wasn’t the same. Yet I have changed and somehow, throughout all of these things, I became so different from who I was in January of 2016. So here I am. Three hundred sixty-five days later.

I think that everyone has a different experience with high school. You either loved it, were indifferent, or hated it. Ultimately though, whether you were the jock-king of the school type or the introvert in the back row type, high school is no longer relevant. After you graduate and leave behind those hallowed halls, you leave behind who you were, too. You can hold onto certain things like your letterman’s jacket and locker buddies, but it doesn’t change that you’re no longer that person. This concept sounds saddening in a sense. More likely than not, you’ll lose your former friends, interests, passions, attitudes, etc., but this also comforting.

In college, you’re starting something new. While it’s only a four-year chapter, it’s the doorway to who you’ll be for the rest of your life. You’re meeting new friends who will be there for you through all of the next major milestones (graduation 2.0, marriage, creating a family). Some of those you meet won’t only be there for you, but be there with you. You’re taking classes that are prompting new passions that will pave the way for your future career path. You’re growing your professional development and maturity. You’re learning lessons that you wouldn’t learn in any other way. Freshman year is an open window that refreshes you from the past thirteen years.

To compare and contrast yourself in any sense makes you more aware of who you are and ultimately helps for you to grow. A year’s reflection of a college Freshman is incredibly valuable. These changes that took place over the span of three hundred sixty-five days are the biggest changes that will happen in your life. Write them out. Find the words of who you were and who you are. Understand that you are a changed person. Most importantly, don’t hold onto the past too tightly. Your high school friends and passions may have once been of great value, but don’t let them stop you from taking the most crucial and magical steps of your life. Take them. Look back and smile at all you’ve achieved. Turn back forward. Encourage yourself and be ready for the three hundred sixty-five days ahead because the next best is yet to come.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57221
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36910
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958663
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190588
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments