Dear High School Graduates,
As you walk across that stage to receive your diploma, an abundance of thoughts probably crossed your mind. Many of them might be happy thoughts like, Hell yeah! I'm finally getting out of here! Or they might be pretty depressing thoughts like, I just ended the best four years of my life with some of my closest friends walking down the same halls every day.
Whatever thoughts crossed your mind that day will never prepare you for what you will experience in the future. A lot of you are heading to colleges in complete opposite directions of your friends, but that's okay!
During my senior year of high school I never wanted graduation day to come. I spent most of my life with my classmates and my best friends. I was nervous to go to college where I basically had to start over. And trust me, you really do have to start over. You might be the valedictorian of your class, the best athlete in your sport or the president of student council, but that all changes when you go to college. There are hundreds of people you have to compete with to be the best at what you do. Take my advice, and don't try to be the best, just try YOUR best. Your parents and family will be proud of you no matter what, and you should be proud of yourself too!
College is a huge change from high school. You are basically on your own with very few rules. There's no one there to make sure you finished your homework or studied for that huge exam you have tomorrow. You have to become responsible for the actions and choices you make every day.
Time management is also a huge transition as you start college. It might seem like you have so much extra time in the day but after you hangout with friends, meet with your club, go to a sports practice, you have very little time to get your work done!
Here are a few tips as you start the next chapter of your life in college:
1. Go to class!
You might think it's okay to skip philosophy or microeconomics every once in awhile, but those days add up, and you can end up missing a lot of information that can be on a test.
2. Join a club or team!
By doing this you can make so many new friends that have the same interests that you do. (Trust me, there's a club for everything.)
3. Make time for yourself!
It might be fun to hang out with your floormates all night, but sometimes you need some alone time to get your work done.
4. Read for your classes!
This isn't like high school anymore. You actually need to read what your professors assign you (maybe even three times) to understand the discussions in class.
5. You won't get along with everyone.
Yes, there will still be people that you do not get along with, just like in high school. But guess what? It's easy to stay away from them because there's so many other people to be around.
6. The freshman 15 is real ...
The gym can be your friend ... once in awhile.
7. Finally, just have fun!
A lot of people say that college was the best four years of their lives. So just have fun, but make sure you still get your work done!
These two (very short) months before you begin your freshman year can be some of the most nerve-racking times of your teen years, but don't worry! Every college freshman is going through the same thing right now. You're not the only one who is nervous to meet their roommates or scared that you won't make any friends. Spend this summer with the people who make you happy because you won't be seeing them in the halls every day after summer ends.
Sincerely,
Every College Student
P.S. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. Everyone loves a person who is true to themselves and the people around them!
