Dear graduating class of 2017,
I am writing this letter to you, because like so many before you; I have some advice to share. I also have a sibling who is graduating with all of you and I also want to give this advice to her. So before I start, you may or may not have heard this advice before. But if you have, know that it must be important; so take it all to heart.
College is a completely different game than high school and high school does not prepare you for college. At all. This article isn’t meant to scare you either, just prepare you. So these are some pieces of advice to help you not be so shocked.
1. Call your parents.
You really will miss them, even though they seem annoying now. You will have one night where you feel the depression of being homesick; it really sucks. Know that they want to hear all about how your day went, just as much as you want to hear their voice. So, call or FaceTime them whenever you can.
2. STUDY.
This is not high school. I cannot say that enough. In high school you could get a B- on your Chemistry test without even reading the chapter. In college you could pull 3 consecutive all-nighters; and make a D. It happens. The odds are in your favor if you study and don’t shrug off your school work, because after all you are there for school.
3. Don’t be a hermit.
Obviously study, but step outside your box. It is okay to go out and have fun with your friends. Take every opportunity to enjoy the things that your university has to offer.
4. Question everything.
By everything, I do mean everything. By questioning everything, comes change. Don’t be afraid of change; embrace it. Whether it is changing your major three times or making new friends. Just don’t be that annoying kid who literally questions everything your professor or TA says in class. If you really need to do that, go to their office hours.
5. It’s all going to be okay.
You may make a C, you may make a D, you may even have to retake a class. Don’t see it as a failure, but an opportunity to grow. College is hard sometimes, anyone who has ever been will agree with that statement. Just remember it is okay to cry it out. But afterward know that you can put one foot in-front of the other, move forward, and everything will be alright. Also, “C’s get Degrees”.
Sincerely,
High School Alumni Everywhere
