You'll find who you are.
Attending high school in a small town gave me little to no opportunities to discover what was possible. I was surrounded by people who cared more about what made them look like the best, rather than caring how others felt. Right when we thought things would change, they just went carried on with the bullying and their narrow minded personality. College has opened up so many doors for me. I was able to discover who I was, what sets me apart from those around me, and most importantly to grow confidence in myself.
Call your family.
I am beyond thankful that I grew up with such a loving family that never fails to make sure I am doing okay. Sometimes, a call home is exactly what I need. If I am just facetiming to see my dogs, or tell my parents I love them before heading to class, I know they'll always be a call away. You never know what can happen in a matter of minutes.
Find your passion.
It sounds easier than it is. Don't get involved just to put it on your resume, find what you love and pour your whole heart into it. It took all of first semester for me to find what was right. I got involved with organizations I didn't see fit and it led me to where I needed to be. I struggled with it for a while, thinking I didn't belong anywhere, but I promise you there is a place for everyone. Just keep looking.
You don't have to just take it.
Stand up for what you believe in. If you know something isn't right, it is okay to speak up about it. You do not have to keep your voice down, speak up because you never know who feels the exact way you do and needed you to be that voice. Most men are degrading, especially at a college campus. Most don't have respect for you. The amount of times I have walked across campus and gotten cat called is disgusting. The amount of texts I have received about "hooking up" or sending nudes is disgusting. Until I came to college, I had never really thought about how real sexual assault is. I hate to tell you, but it happens more than you would like to admit, and don't ever think it can't happen to you.
Grow confidence and take care of yourself.
This might be one of the most important things I have learned during this year. College really takes a toll on you mentally and physically. It takes realizing your self worth to start making better decisions. Don't get me wrong, on most days this is something I very much struggle with and some days it's hard to get out of bed. However, nothing stops me from taking step back to realize how much better things can get. Taking things for granted is something we all do a lot of. College is hard, but do you know how many people would kill to be where you are? You probably didn't until just now, and that is okay. No one said it would be easy, but don't waste what you are so lucky to have.
It is okay to give something up when you get too busy.
If anyone knows me, they can tell you that saying No is far from my strong suit. After first semester being slammed with school work and changing majors I decided I would jump into some extra things with volunteering, clubs, and going back to work. As the semester carried on I realized I was draining my energy and getting no time to work on myself. It is not by any means selfish to take time for yourself, I promise it helps. I am still struggling with giving things up, but I feel so much better already.
The hard work feels so rewarding.
No one ever said college was easy. It requires hours in the library studying on top of spending all day in lectures with little to no time to eat and only seeing your friends when studying or walking across campus. This semester has been far from easy, but I am thankful for that. After pouring all of my time, effort, and heart into getting my grades where I want while also holding a job and getting involved, I am relieved. Not only did I have to learn how to adjust my time, but I was able to do it successfully. Sometimes would be harder than others, but I did it. I can say I did it on my own, and that will be something I can always be proud of.
Have fun.
Sometimes it is hard to just let go of things to have some fun with your friends when you know you have so much to do. I promise you won't regret it. I have bonded with so many people because I decided to go out with them and those are memories I will never forget. Some of my best memories to reflect back on this year are from going out at night with a group of friends. Your assignments will still be there the next day, however the chance to make those memories won't be.
