Being in college for 5 years has taught me many lessons about life, school, and myself. There have been many times I have thought how different things would be now if I had just known what the lessons were before hand. So here is a letter to myself as a college freshman.
Dear freshman me,
I know it's weird, but listen and you will be thankful. First of all congratulations on graduating high school. I know that was a rough four years but you did it, you made it through. You will do the same with college I promise but it won't be near what you expected.
First of all, you will LOVE dorm life. Your roommate will become your best friend but don't let that stop you from making other friends too. You are a very outgoing person, don't lose that just because you're scared or nervous. Yes you are new to college and even the town you moved to but be yourself and you will be loved.
For the love of all things, please don't start skipping classes. Freshmen year you did pretty well with attendance but it will get more tempting to sleep later and skip that one class you hate for an early lunch, just don't do it. You need the extra time in the classes you hate to click with the material. The professor not taking attendance means NOTHING. Go to class, every class, all classes unless you're sick.
Quit with the to-go boxes from the dining hall in your room. Eat with friends, if they don't match your schedule, sit with someone new and make new friends. You have done it before so I know you can do it now. Friends are greatly needed in college, and you've never been shy about making friends so please don't start now.
That boy you met freshmen year, not a good idea. Just skip him over, you have your special one already picked out, it's just not time for you to meet him yet. Besides you really don't have time for him right now anyway.
GET INVOLVED! You were a part of so many clubs before, this is no different. There are plenty of things on campus you will fall in love with so just get a jump start. Newspaper, tv club, ads club, a sorority, Residential college committee, anything, just do something!
Another thing, please don't go home every weekend. That really messed us up our first year. I know you miss your dog and the kiddos and even mom and dad. But I promise it will be better for everyone if you just spend some weekends on campus. Plus you missed out on several fun things on campus and around town by going home so much.
And lastly, please don't stop going to church. I know how tempting it is to sleep through services on Sunday morning but the great thing about college is there are weekly night services too. You will meet so many amazing people who will keep you well grounded this way. It is a must! Please don't lose your way, don't lose your faith.
All in all, you make it through your first year regardless, but if you follow my advice you will get through it so much easier with such a better result. Trust me, if I could go back and be you again and follow my advice, I would.
Love always,
yourself 5 years in the future.
