You are about to embark on the beginning of the rest of your life! You also just read the cheesiest line given to students about to enter college, but really- what else were you expecting?
Honestly, as cheesy as the line is, it’s very true in many ways. I went in expecting so many things, and while many things were as I pictured, many were not. And that’s okay- I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Just know everyone experiences college differently. What you see painted on another person’s Instagram is not your experience, and it doesn’t have to be. If you want to party every weekend- you do you. The same goes for those who want to stay in every weekend. College is a personal experience. Everyone enters at a different stage in life, having all learned different lessons and ready to learn so much more. You don’t know where other people are in their journey, and they don’t know where you are. So it's very important to keep an open mind. I tried so many things I thought I never would, and found I didn’t enjoy the things I thought I would. My perspective is totally different as I have been lead to a new place in my life.
The changes seem both sudden and slow, and many people can be hard to deal with during this phase. Be patient. You went through it too, and if you haven’t- you will. So recognize that those people you find annoying for this or that are learning new lessons- maybe not the same ways you did, but they are. Some people will turn out to be completely different than you thought. Some people you thought you disliked will become close friends. The people you knew in high school may not be the same kinds of people you like in college. You’ll grow apart from so many people as the year goes on- both at school and at home. Your relationship with your family will inevitably change, but it's really for the better. You may find you feel so much more adult, and ready for so many things- but remember, you JUST became an adult- there will be time to explore that identity later as well, so try to take baby steps.
Enjoy the easy-A classes, enjoy the scary first few weeks, and enjoy the thrill of each new experience. Reflect on all you have learned, smile at the new person you are becoming, and really aim to fully discover who you are. Take lots of pictures, the time will fly by. Recognize that everyone is awkward at first- but that’s the best time to throw your shame out the window and just try to meet as many people as you can, and truly explore your campus. Questions about your school will be expected then, but may be awkward to ask later in the year, so try to get all of your questions out of the way. You will probably hate orientation, but expect that to be common talk for the first part of school. Feel out whether you have to buy a book for every class- required does not always mean required like you knew it before. If you don’t try to stay in touch, it will be harder to catch up with people from home. This can be a good thing in some ways, but staying close takes a lot of work.
Mostly, this year is a great year to simply make mistakes. Aim to do your best in school, but really try to discover yourself. Take a class in pottery and allow yourself to find new interests. Take a class you hate, or that seems too challenging. Meet people from every major. In a year, this will be your voice telling the incoming freshman what to expect- and you never know what your new perspective will be- so brace yourself and get ready for this next adventure.
