To the anxious freshman:
I have news for you—you can do this. Your life has led up to this very moment, and no matter how anxious you are, you made it here. I know your surroundings seem unfamiliar right now, but it won’t be that way for long. This new place will become your home.
I’m not going to tell you not to be nervous; that would be a bit irrational. You’re allowed to have the jitters. Be excited, and let your energy fuel all the “firsts” of freshman year.
Remember how it feels to walk into your first class. Don’t be overwhelmed by the unfamiliar faces. You’ll be surprised at how many you recognize in a few weeks. That being said, smile at people, make friends. The beautiful thing about this new beginning is that the boundaries have changed. This isn’t high school anymore, and this place and all the people in it are new.
There are so many opportunities to transform the face of a stranger into that of a friend. Step outside of your comfort zone and introduce yourself, because you aren’t alone; there are thousands of other freshmen just like you.
If you haven’t figured out exactly what you’re doing with your life, don’t fear! There are many more like you, and we would be more than happy to welcome you into our confused-people-with-high-hopes-of-good-things-to-come social circle!
The point is, you don’t have to know everything right now. Take your required classes and find your passions; you’ll figure this whole “life” thing out eventually.
Don’t take any experience for granted. Remember the classes that challenged you and the moments that changed you. Hear the Marching 110, see the bricks, smell the sweet, SWEET scent of waffles at Nelson.
Watch the leaves change color in the fall, you’ll come to find that this is the most beautiful place in the world. Visit coffee shops even if you hate coffee; they’ll have something for you. Find your favorite restaurant.
Just walk these bricks and sidewalks and claim this place as your own.
It’s yours, so make it home.
You’re a Bobcat now, and this is your turf. Take pride in this incredible place, because it’s not temporary, it’s a forever hOUme.
Collect every free t-shirt you can. Go to every football game you can. Hike the trails and see this place from a bird’s eye view. Join a club; CREATE a club. Open your door and meet new people. Put away your map and walk the campus; you’ll know it like the back of your hand before you know it. Find your spot, you know, the place you go just to be. Explore Court Street. Discover yourself here.
There’s a place for you.
Bobkittens, don’t be shy, we’re so happy to have you.
Sincerely,
A former anxious freshman
