As a 19-year-old girl who has only lived in one house her whole life, college was a big change for me. During the months leading up to my freshman year, I was excited, nervous and so ready to finally go off to a University to get the college experience I had heard so many talk about. As I look back, I cannot believe how fast it went. I made so many memories and had to learn a lot on my own. Out of all those things, here are my top seven.
1. Going off to college, I learned that you will fail, and that is 100 percent ok.
Sometimes, you will spend hours upon hours studying for a test and you feel confident taking it only to check Canvas and see you failed. Failing a test or a class is ok because it teaches you that not everything in life will go your way and you can come back 50 times stronger.
2. Freshman year is the year to explore and find yourself.
You will come to realize who you are, what you like, and where you want to go in life. You become more of yourself and grow up so much.
3. In order to be successful in college, you need to take care of yourself.
Nowadays, there is so much pressure on young college students to get good grades, be involved, have a social life, and get a job. We often forget to take time to ourselves to unwind, and be at peace with yourself. Make time to read that book, go to the movies and dinner with friends, or go to that party. Life is what you make of it.
4. You will find your best friends.
I can honestly say that I have found some of my absolute best friends while spending my time at Emporia State. I plan on some of these girls being in my wedding party, and for that, I am forever thankful.
5. Not knowing what the hell you're doing in life is a part of being in college.
I can attest to this personally. In August 2015, I moved into the dorms knowing exactly what I wanted to do. In May 2016, I moved out of the dorms and I had changed my major five times. If that doesn't sound stressful, I don't know what does.
6. The more you get involved, the more fun you will have.
"Get involved!" It's what everyone says, but listen to them. You meet so many people from being involved and you will have a blast!
7. You grow up, incredibly fast.
Moving away to go to college has made me grow up into a young adult. Although it may not feel like it when you are in the dorms, as soon as you visit your friends and family back home, it's a day and night difference.
Freshman year was, by far, the best time of my life. It goes by way too fast, so take it from me when I say take your time and take pictures, do it. You meet some of your best friends and will most likely change your major a million times. Have fun with freshman year, y'all, it flies by and is over before you can say Emporia State University 16 times.
