Suitcases and cardboard boxes stacked up in my dorm room made me reminisce about memories I’ve acquired freshman year. As my freshman year has come to a close, I have taken the time to reflect on such an unforgettable year. I have learned and transformed as a person, and am grateful for the opportunities I have had. As I begin summer and begin thinking about sophomore year, there are some things I wished I had known before starting college. My sister will be a freshman in the fall, so this is for you and the class of 2020.
The first night of college can be overwhelming, to say the least.
You’re in a new place, living with new people, without any sense of comfort or familiarity. I remember my first night; I went over to see my two best friends who happened to attend the same college as me. Many people say it can be negative to go to school with your best friends, but in my experience, I could never be so grateful. My two best friends from high school were there for me for the good times and bad times. They would open their doors to me at 4 a.m. after a bad night when I needed a sense of comfort. These girls were there for me when I felt like I wasn’t fitting in, needed advice about a guy, or when I just wanted to have a girls night and stay in.
Think of your mistakes as learning experiences.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that in college, everyone has those nights where you second guess your choices. You might put yourself in an awful situation, but in the long run, you will look back and realize that you are now stronger.
Another thing I have come to realize is that not everyone is going to think the same way as you do.
Freshman year can be mind boggling because not everyone has good intentions. It is essential to find the right group of people who make you feel happy and secure. You will gain new knowledge and a divergent sense of perspective. Your roommates will either become your best friends or worst enemies, it’s honestly just a gamble. In my experience, my roommates became like sisters. We definitely had our fair share of arguments, but learned every little tick, smirk, laugh and cry each one of us has in various situations. We have learned from each other and have grown so much. From movie nights, parties, family issues, and break ups, my roommates were there for it all.
Getting involved is probably the biggest advice I would give myself if I was starting freshman year over.
First semester, I was a timid student who joined a sorority, but never really went out. I went home often to see family and friends. However, this semester, I have gone to almost every event, and have become closer with sorority sisters, fraternity brothers, and new friends. This semester I have met new people who I will forever be grateful for their personalities and positivity. There are so many clubs, sports, and activities to join on college campuses, and it is truly a time where you can find yourself.
As tiring as it is being a college student, you make some of the best memories that you will never forget.
I already have stories my friends and I can laugh about now, and tell years later. What I’ve realized about college is that it is going to be a four-year learning experience. Not only academically, but personally and socially as well. I have matured in only a matter of months, and am beginning to realize my sense of identity. College is a time to reinvent yourself, and prosper to become the person you want to be.
