To The High School Senior, From The College Freshman Whose Year Didn't Go Like She Planned
Start writing a post
Student Life

To The High School Senior, From The College Freshman Whose Year Didn't Go Like She Planned

Freshman year is just one big life lesson, so let yourself learn from it.

2648
To The High School Senior, From The College Freshman Whose Year Didn't Go Like She Planned
WordPress

You're staring down the barrel that is the rest of your life. Graduation is just a short few weeks away, and college just a few short months away. You're excited and terrified and ready to move on. I was you, just one year ago (though it feels like a lifetime) and this past year since graduating has changed me more than four years of high school ever did.

I had my college experience planned out. I went shopping for the cute dorm room decorations and school supplies (thanks for putting me up with me in Bed, Bath & Beyond, Mom). I got a great planner, a Keurig, a cute backpack. I was set - I was ready to go. But I wasn't ready for college, and I'm here to alleviate your stress and tell you no one ever is. I don't care how many packing lists and "10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Freshmen Year of College" articles you read. Nobody is ever fully prepared for college until you're thrown into it.

My freshmen year of college didn't go as I planned - not for better, not for worse, just not like I planned, and that's okay. Your first year of college is an eye-opening experience, and basically a nine-month long lesson on life. I came into college with ambitions, and goals for myself that I didn't understand wouldn't be as easy to maintain as they were in high school. That 3.8 GPA? College required me to study for the first time in my life, and though I knew it was coming, I was so not prepared, and that's okay. Cute pictures with my new group of friends that I met during orientation? I got one girl's Snapchat during orientation, and had one math class with her fall semester. We may have had three conversations ever, and that's okay.

The thing about your freshman year of college is that it's never what you planned - whether that is for the better or for the worse, but you have to take a step back and allow yourself to be okay with what did or didn't go like you wanted. You're probably itching to get out of high school, ready for college and late night adventures and the freedom and independence that college brings to you. Those late night adventures do come, but don't get down on yourself if you have to spend a Thirsty Thursday in the library studying for an exam in the morning, or if your Saturday night is spent watching Netflix because you have no plans.

College is exciting, and scary, and fun, yes. But the thought of high school was once exciting, and scary, and fun too. Don't be so quick to wish away this part of your life, because it never comes back.

So step back, and take a breath. Enjoy your last days as a high schooler and thank the teachers and coaches that made an impact on your life. Cry at graduation and don't be ashamed about it. Live life that last summer you have before the real world starts to trickle in. College is a road trip with a broken GPS, so let the road meet you as it comes. Have goals and ambitions and plans, but let yourself be okay if those plans change or even if they fail miserably. You get one freshman year of college, so let yourself live it.

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.

56155
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?

36172
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.

958128
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.

187748
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