Dear Nervous Little Brand-New-Freshman Self,
Hey. You're in college. Crazy right?! Well, enjoy every second of it, because a year sure flies by. Don't limit yourself to who you hang out with. Get to know anyone and everyone. Everyone is nervous and friend-less, so take advantage of that. Get to know your new pledge class. Everyone's doing it. Talk to them before its too late, and you're in an awkward semi-formal group with girls you barely know.
Study harder than you did in high school. These aren't blow-off classes and they will affect your GPA. Study until you can't study anymore. You can sleep after you turn in your scantron. And get to know the people in your classes. When it's 3 a.m. and you're totally blanking on the logarithms, you'll have someone to text, to ask for help.
Talk to boys. It's scary, but worth it. Just get to know them. Boys in your classes, boys at parties, boys in your dorm. Get to know all of them. When formal season comes around, you'll thank me.
Go to the gym. It's free, it's close, and it's nice. Why wouldn't you? Just go, even if you're just on Pinterest while using the StairMaster. Burn those calories girl, you will thank me come Spring Break.
Going to Gulf Shores sounds scary, but do it. You'll make hilarious memories and you'll make friends in your pledge class that you never thought you would. You'll also grow very accustomed to sand being everywhere. Whether you like it or not. Just go, and don't worry too much.
Do as much extra credit as you can and go to your professor's office hours. You have no idea how much this can help your grade. Especially go to class on the days you don't want to. Those are always the days professors give out extra credit for attendance.
Go out. You're young, your homework can wait till Sunday, and you deserve a break. Go to a frat party where you know no one. Those are always fun. Wear your favorite wedges even if your friends are all wearing flats. Be the most annoying girl the Uber driver has driven all night. Go to the bars even though you hate them, its better than staying in. Get late night Toppers or Fuzzys, and don't regret it in the morning.
But if you miss a frat party, it's not the end of the world. They're [basically] all the same. You can go to the next one. Yes FOMO is real, but don't let it ruin your weekend.
Most importantly, make memories. Do stupid stuff. Laugh until you pee your pants (oops). Make huge mistakes. Learn from those mistakes. Be bold. Talk to new people. Try your best. Take pictures. Freshman year flies by. It will be over before you know it.
Xoxo,
Future Almost-A-Sophomore You
