It is most apparent that I have matured through my first year in college when I come home for seasonal breaks. “You look so grown up," people from my hometown said, adding, “College seems to be working for you!" But, what caused them to say that, exactly, is the question I've been trying to answer for months.
Being a freshman at a Big 10 University is like jumping into the ocean blindfolded. You are suddenly overwhelmed with new opportunities, more friends and colleagues than you can count and a whole new level of responsibility that you need to learn -- fast. Like myself, most freshmen are on their own for the first time in their lives, and that alone causes them to get a grip on reality.
The following are five important lessons I have learned from the experiences of my freshman year.
1. It's okay to spend a night or two on your own.
Maybe your friends asked you to go to a party or out to dinner one night, but you know that you are just not feeling up to it. Being alone is so crucial to being comfortable with yourself and with others. If you don't spend time alone every once in a while, you will end up more stressed and overwhelmed when it comes to school and life, in general. It's not a requirement to go out every single night. So next time an opportunity comes up to go party for the third night in a row, consider laying low and having a little R & R time with yourself.
2. Your mental health is more important than schoolwork.
I am well aware that college tuition is very expensive -- I feel so guilty if I accidentally sleep through a class or forget to complete an assignment. I also know first hand what it's like to drown in obligations and get sucked into more than I can handle. When you feel like that's the case, realize that your mental health is a permanent thing, and that it is much more important than any grade or assignment. If you are up late studying and the clock reads 3 a.m., you probably won't get more out of the study guide than you already have. Remember that you are more important than a number and you always will be.
3. Eating healthy and exercising really does help you feel better and less stressed.
Dorm food sucks (we can all agree on that), but it's not impossible to find healthy options within the heaps of unhealthy ones. Doing that alongside exercising a few times a week can help reduce stress levels and help you avoid the freshman 15. Every person has the same 24 hours in a day, and if other people can find time to work out and eat healthy with their schedules, you can too.
4. Attention from boys (or lack thereof) does not indicate your self-worth.
I know people that talk to a lot of boys, I know people that don't talk to boys at all. The nasty trap you have to be careful not to fall into is thinking that attention from guys is the only way you will feel like you are good enough, pretty enough or that you measure up to the other girls around you. If you have not figured it out yet, boys have an issue with thinking that they can just do whatever they want with no regard for how girls feel. Take a step back and recognize that you are stronger, smarter, more beautiful and a hell of a lot more important than any guy can ever make you feel.
5. The people you meet and the times you have in college will truly be the best of your life.
In college, you meet the most diverse people and get a great sense of self and who you are as an individual. With that information, you will be able to pick a major you love and thrive alongside people who are like you and are there to support you. The memories made in college are unlike those made in any other time of your life, so make them last.
