A year ago today I graduated from high school. I remember the bittersweet feeling as I smiled and hugged classmates. "It's finally over," I thought. I thought my four years of high school had lasted an awful eternity full of awkward social situations, a mix of great and horrible grades, and me finally growing up. I was a completely different person at the end of my high school career. A year later my life is completely different. I look at the girl smiling in her white tuxedo dress and wonder if I had any idea of what was to come. But this isn't about me. It's about all of the people who are graduating high school and going into college.
Dear High School Graduate,
Congratulations! You made it! You might come across some ignorant posts on social media saying "graduating high school isn't an accomplishment." I know I did, but ignore them, it's a big accomplishment. You woke up early every day, you traveled, you sat in class, you did what you had to do to graduate and it isn't easy. Everyone expects greatness out of you despite the terrible deck of cards on the table of life. No one really talks about how home life affects you while you're in school but despite everything you decided to keep moving forward and I congratulate you. I congratulate you for traveling in snow, rain, heat, train delays, whatever it may have been to get to your school. It isn't easy but you made it.
College is a completely different ballpark. College is hard. Whether commuting or dorming, you're still on your own and responsible for your education at this point. It's all up to you if you want to go to class or not. I advise you go to. Seriously, go to class. You'll miss so much if you don't go. Even if you think you've got it under control, save your absences for sick days. You're gonna need them. When it comes to studying I advise you find a good spot to go on campus. My room just made me want to go to sleep and stop studying. Finals week, I spent seven hours in the library studying just for my math final. Yeah, that's right, SEVEN hours. When it comes to making friends you know you've made a good friend when you go out of your way to spend time with each other. Shout out to my friends who lived across campus from me and still made time to have dinner with me. You guys are the real MVP. There will be many many many opportunities to party. Pro Tip: If you're going to go out make sure you have TWO days available. One day for the actual party the next day for the recovery. Even if you will remain sober a lot of dancing could have you feeling like you got tackled the next morning. If you don't have TWO days available I advise that you think twice about going out. Always go out with friends and keep each other safe. Always knows the nearest exit in whatever location you're in. But don't let partying become the number one priority in your life. Books over parties. The first three semesters of college is what determines your GPA. So work as hard as you can.
One thing people forget to tell graduates is to take care of their mental health. Yes, your grades are important but you should never feel as if the world around you is crashing down. When you reach that moment, seek help. Talk to a trusted friend, a family member, a counselor. Talk to someone. It's always good to talk about the things that worry you instead of holding it inside. Towards the end of my fall semester, my depression had impeded me from finishing strong. I lost all motivation to attend classes, to be social, and I didn't even know how to ask for help. My spring semester was so much better because I looked for help from the counseling services at my university.
Take care of yourself, have fun, and give it all you've got you're going to love the results. Undergrad is a once in a lifetime experience so enjoy every single second of your freshman year.
Sincerely,
Your favorite Odyssey writer,
Sam
