The transition from high school to college is a challenging, yet rewarding, experience for every student to go through. In just a few months, you go from needing permission to use the restroom to being told, ”Okay, decide what you want to do with your life!” You’re expected to figure campus out on your own, keep your room clean, do laundry (do I REALLY need to separate the lights from the darks?), and balance your academic and social lives. All at once! Freshman year calls for a lot of growing up. Question after question gets thrown at you: What dorm do you live in? Are you in any clubs? How do you like your classes? But perhaps the most common, and stressful, question: What is your major?
If you’re anything like I was, I chose the major that I thought would a) be a safe choice and b) make my parents happy/proud. My first choice was business entrepreneurship. My step dad and I used to talk about owning different businesses, so I figured this route would be helpful, please my parents, and would be safe, as I figured it would help me develop skills applicable to different areas of life. Well, after a couple of business classes, I realized that it didn’t offer the kind of creative stimulus that I would want out of the next four years, not to mention my later career. I then moved on to “Integrative Studies”, concentrating on business, philosophy, and event planning. I decided event planning was not the path for me after getting a taste of how stressful the field is.
Finally, I figured out that philosophy is a big passion of mine. I was interested in learning how and why humans work the way we do; so, I decided to minor in psychology as well. At the end of the day, you are the one going to school and taking your classes, not anyone else. I know most people might wonder what I plan to do with a philosophy degree, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that I don’t have to explain myself to anyone. This was an important moment in my life thus far, the moment I realized I am an actual adult now. And you know what? So are you.
No one is making you get up and go to class every day; you are waking up, eating breakfast, and deciding to go to your classes (P.S. go to class…you will notice a difference in your grades when you do go). Your first year is about learning balance between school, socializing, and work, if you choose to get a job. You begin to establish your identity and make friends. Campus is big, it might seem a little scary, but think of it this way—there’s around 40,000 people on campus; someone is going to want to talk to you. It’s okay to start chatting with someone on the elevator or in line at the cafeteria. Everyone is nervous or excited (or both!) to meet new people, so breaking the ice has the potential to create an avenue for conversation. You never know who will be your next friend.
College is about learning who you are and what you want to get out of this life time. These years are yours to make, and your decisions are paving the way for your future. While holding on to advice is alright, don’t let anyone’s expectations or opinions influence what you’re doing with your life. Also, it’s okay to be sad and miss home. Call your mom and dad, they’d love to hear from you, and sometimes a call home is what you need to perk up your spirits. Your happiness is in your hands now, and college is yours to mold into whatever you want your experience to be.
