Classes are starting up again, and as a student worker I was moved in early and got to experience freshman move-in day and all of their activities. They were truly in their element. They were having lots of fun, socializing, and they seemed to be breaking out of their shells. Then the upperclassmen invaded campus and their was a clear shift, almost like they were taking 5 steps back. I don’t have to think too hard to remember what it was like to be a freshman and how hard it was to be away from home from home for the first time, so as a note to upperclassmen: be nice.
I know it can be easy to pick on people who are younger than you, like finally you aren’t the babies of the pack anymore! But it wasn’t that long ago that we were getting lost going to class, trying to make friends, and trying to get involved on campus, all while absorbing the new environment you were in. I know that I always appreciated the friendly faces and helpful people, and I’m sure the new freshman would to.
Like I said, I know it can be easier not to reach out to freshman, we all already have our friend groups, we like how things are and we may not want things to change, but by doing so we would be missing out on some really amazing people. Like I said, I saw them when they were in their element. They're funny, outgoing, friendly people who are just trying to fit in and make the most of their experience here, and by branching out and including them it could enhnace your experience as well.
We all know freshman year isn’t easy. In fact it’s pretty difficult, dealing with harder classes, a completely new atmosphere, trying your best to branch out socially, and it can get overwhelming. The last thing freshman need are for upperclassmen giving them grief about the fact that they are freshman as if they can control it.
College is a lot different from high school, and after a month or so you’ll have a hard time recognizing who’s a freshman and who isn’t anyway, so why alienate potential friends now? Being nice to people is something you should be doing anyway, but being nice and giving a helping hand to people who may be struggling is a great way to create friendships that could last a lifetime.
So please, all I ask, is that you stop to give directions, give a friendly smile, invite people to sit with you, and give people the kindness that you wish people had given you as a freshman that would have made your experience easier. It literally takes two seconds out of your day to be kind to someone, and it will probably make you feel good about yourself too.
