This past weekend, I got to assist with moving in the class of 2020 to college. While doing so, thoughts and memories of my freshman year rushed through my head. Just three years ago I was in their shoes, leaving home for the first time. Luckily, I got to skip the craziness of the regular move-in process because of marching band camp, but the idea was the same. My dad and I showed up early in the morning, both our vehicles stuffed to the max, and lugged everything up two flights of stairs. I was nervous but mostly excited. This was a whole new experience for me and my dad since I'm the oldest, but now that I'm going into my senior year I'm really grateful for everything that I've gone through here in college.
It's crazy thinking that just a short three years ago I was an eighteen year old, fresh out of high school, and about to spend the next four years in a completely new environment. Dorm life was great, other than the usual loud noises of someone blasting music, sprinting down the hallway, or staying up until the wee hours of the morning because someone was watching a movie downstairs and you could hear it blaring through the vent. Sharing a bathroom was also not so great, especially when girls don't like to take the hair they shed and throw it out after the shower. But being so close to some of my closest friends was seriously one of the greatest aspects. Being able to walk just a couple doors down the hallway to hang out with your best friend was so convenient, especially now that we're all in different buildings, most of us being in apartments now.
But one thing in particular that I remember about my freshman year is the amount of crap that I brought. I seriously over packed and from moving in the new first year students today it's clear that they did the same. I went from needing two vehicles to get me moved into my dorm my freshman year to only needing my car this year for getting me moved into my apartment. All those clothes, extra decorations, and just useless stuff did nothing but take up space, overcrowd my closet, and get in the way. But don't worry if you're one of those people who definitely over packed because every year gets easier with moving in and determining what you do and don't need. You'll learn exactly what doesn't need to be here, so one car will be plenty for getting everything for your dorm/apartment.
Other than moving in, I also thought about the first day of classes. It was very nerve wracking, especially because I had no idea where any of my classes were, what the names of the buildings were, or what any of the classes would be like. After being out of school for the summer and senior year of high school being a joke, I didn't know what the homework would be like or what all would be expected from me. Let me tell you though, it's not awful. Yes, it's stressful sometimes, mainly closer to midterms and finals, but as long as you keep track of your assignments and when things are due everything will come easily. Now, I know what certain professors prefer as far as how you take notes or how their tests are formatted. It definitely helps keep the stress down and getting close to them after three years of classes means that if I would have a question or concern that I could go straight to them.
If there's one piece of advice I can give to the class of 2020, it would be to make the most of these next four years. You never know when it could be the end for you, whether it's after a semester, two years, or even three and a half with you being able to graduate early. These really are some of the best years of your life and you'll make friends that will be with you for many years to come. So have fun, study hard, go to class, challenge yourself, and learn who you really are. The future looks bright for you, class of 2020.
