Dear pre-college self,
There are some things you should know before you embark on this incredible journey.
As I am about to enter my second semester of my junior year at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana, I cannot believe that I am so close to being done here. Over the years I have come across some wisdom from my experiences as a college student. Boy, are you in for a treat.
Be optimistic. When you first arrive on campus look at every experience through the most optimistic set of eyes. Looking back over my career as school I have some regrets from the times I judged too quickly or backed out too fast. It has become clear to me that the best times I have had and the closest friends I have made, have come out of optimism and out of pushing through when situations are difficult and awkward.
Talk, talk, talk! No friendship or enlightening conversation ever came out of being silent. I know that when I first came to school I was incredibly shy. I was afraid of sounding stupid or being awkward so I shut myself off. I realize now, that in my first year of school, I definitely missed out on some opportunities and possibly some friendships because I was afraid to voice who I was. College helped me gain confidence in my social skills but I hope that you can recognize that everyone is is the same boat. Most people are away from home; they are looking to make friends, to have intelligent and fun conversations. People don’t judge as mush as you may think they do — the best of times come out of being yourself.
College isn’t easy, but give it your all. Classes can seem silly or pointless, but if you put faith in the fact that it will come together later, you will discover amazing connections between your classes and all other aspects of your life. If you go through the semester slacking or ignoring certain courses, you are just wasting money, and you will end up missing out on useful knowledge that you will someday find helpful. College is a rare and incredible opportunity to ingrate you learning, to discover new interests and converse with peers about topic you never thought you would find interest in.
Time flies. Live every second to the fullest. Spend as much time as you can with you friends. I know you’re going to become lazy and stressed, as is natural, but when you look back in a couple years, I promise you are not going to remember the nights you spent watching Netflix or stressing out over studying.
Try new things constantly! I highly recommend joining a bunch of clubs and studying abroad. Do things that give you the opportunity to venture outside your comfort zone because those are the times you remember and the experiences that shape and change you in the best way. Those are the times where you are really going to grow up.
Be your best you. Grades are super important but don’t be afraid to have fun. To someone starting their journey in college, the most important thing I have learned is that you need to do and be what and who make you happiest. Study what you love, spend time with the people you love, because then you can look back and be proud of those four years. It is over before you know it, it's almost over for me, and so you need to make the most out of every situation, be vulnerable, be yourself, learn the most you can and be prepared, because soon you're going to be two and a half years in and you're never going to want to leave.