Dear Rising College Freshman,
With graduation in full swing this June you are getting ready to enjoy your summer before you start the next four years of your life. You worked hard to get to this point, or didn’t, but now you are thinking what have you gotten yourself into.
As a rising senior I thought I would take the time to give you some advice about the road ahead. Whether you are genuinely intrigued by this proposition, or rolling your eyes I hope you get something out of this advice based on my own experiences.
Whether you are attending the top school of your choice or your last option this is it. No one cares what you ranked this school on your list, so neither should you. In 10 years you probably won't even remember the ranking of all your school, but you will have your memories. Make the most out of your time there.
Be yourself. I cannot stress this enough. There will be people who do not accept you for as you are and want to change you. Do not let their judgment hurt you. This is probably not the first or the last time that this will happen. You should not change yourself to make others happy, but change yourself for the better only if it is what you want.
Do not be defined by your grades. I am not telling you to be free, but instead to not be tied down to a GPA. Take classes that interest you and work hard. Take the time to actually learn about this material you will be investing your time and money into. You will get out what you put in. If you do not get what you want, look for ways to improve and work harder. Speak up for yourself.
Join groups! Join clubs and academic groups and sports and more. Do not waste your four years being lonely on a campus with hundreds of people. No matter where your school, and no matter how big or small there is a group of people out there just right for you.
Do not be dissuaded. There will be obstacles that you must overcome. Some will hit you like a ton of bricks. Others you will find to be easy to get over. Nevertheless, you will come out a different person. These obstacles will shape and refine you into the person you were meant to be. It is up to you to decide if these changes are good or bad.
Find yourself. These four years are exactly what you make them. You have the chance to start over and leave your old self behind. Take a shot at all opportunities big or small, you never know what you will learn. Do not let the past prevent you from arriving at your future. Life is a learning experience and this is another stop on the tour so make the most of it.
Finally, I want you to know that no matter what happens this experience will be like no other in your life. Trust in yourself and you will do great!
Wishing you the best of luck,
A College Rising Senior
