Dear freshman me,
You’re about to embark on what has been called, in a cliché manner, “the best four years of your life.” I know, I know – it sounds corny, but there’s a reason people say that. You’re about to have absolute freedom, exposure to unlimited sources of knowledge and opportunities that will change your life and shape your future thrust into your hands. That being said, we really need to have a conversation. I have some important things to tell you about these next four years. Now, I know that’s not actually possible. And even if it was, maybe I wouldn’t tell you everything because there are going to be some things you just have to figure out for yourself. But hopefully, freshman me, these tidbits of advice will help you – and other freshmen – to stress less, enjoy more and achieve all that you set your sights on.
Freshman: There are so many people here, and none of them know me. How will I ever make friends?
Senior: Be true to yourself, be confident in yourself and most of all, be patient. The people that are going to be your true friends will eventually find you.
Freshman: Seniors are so incredibly cool. I wish I was them.
Senior: Take this opportunity to make all the mistakes you can – you only have the excuse of being a freshman once. There’s no need to be cool right now.
Freshman: I wish I knew how to talk to seniors and ask them for advice.
Senior: Literally say anything. They have all the wisdom and war stories you could ever want.
Freshman: I have so much freedom; I can eat Taco Bell three times a day and nap through class!
Senior: Everything in moderation – especially Taco Bell.
Freshman: Fraternity boys are everything.
Senior: Fraternity boys are not worth your time or your tears.
Freshman: I’m gonna go hard tonight!
Senior: Crackers and water before bed will make you hate your life a lot less tomorrow.
Freshman: I have the next four years completely planned out.
Senior: No, you don’t.
Freshman: I want to take this class, but there’s no room in my 10-year plan.
Senior: Do what you enjoy, and it will look like a perfect plan in hindsight.
Freshman: I’m going to do that cool internship my junior year.
Senior: Take every opportunity now. Then when you’re older you can do even more.
Freshman: There’s no way I’m qualified enough for that internship.
Senior: But what if they said yes?
Freshman: I don’t like my major any more, but it’s the only thing I’ve ever dreamed of doing.
Senior: It’s never too late to change. Your old dream might become your new hobby.
Freshman: I need to study. I can’t hang out with friends tonight.
Senior: I repeat, all things in moderation – even studying.
Freshman: I can’t believe I have three and a half more years of this!
Senior: That was the fastest four years of my life.
Oh, freshman me. You have so much ahead of you: tears, mental breakdowns, the freshman fifteen, laughter, incredible friendships, emotional and mental growth, parties, late night movie marathons, pre-games, tail-gates, dances, hugs, realizing you were really wrong about a lot of things, figuring out who you are and the kind of people that you want to invite into your adult life – the list goes on. I hope I didn’t spoil too much of it. One last parting word of advice – take every day as it comes and remind yourself how lucky you are to be here, in college.
See you at graduation,
senior me
