As I sit here taking a break from packing up my room, an overload of bittersweet emotions are hitting me. I'm so relieved that I survived exams, and I am so glad to be going home for the summer, but it's also unbelievable and more than a little depressing that my freshman year is over. I know everyone has written about this subject, but I just wanted to share my thoughts and what I've learned.
When I embarked on this journey in August, I was terrified and nervous and didn't really know what to expect. My parents were leaving me 130 miles from home, and what if I didn't make any friends? Little did I know, I would make some of the best friends in the world. Leaving the comfort of my home and everything I knew was a risk I was hesitant to take, but that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. But don't forget where you came from, because home will always be home. One of my favorite quotes says:
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
Those are some of the truest words I have ever heard. I have made so many wonderful friendships that will be so hard to say goodbye to, even if it is only for the summer.
That quote also applies to freshman year as a whole. I have learned so much about myself, about how strong I am, how independent, and that it is possible for my super-introverted self to branch out of my comfort zone infinitely farther than I thought was possible. I learned that no matter how much I love being away from home (and I do), homesickness is a real thing, and I found myself crying in my room more than a few times simply because I missed my family. So here's a tip: call your parents. It helps you as much, if not more, as it helps them.
I've learned that unlike high school, you have to really study for a test if you want to make a good grade on it, and sometimes that involves all-nighters (miserable, but worth it). And sometimes, no matter how hard or how long you study, you won't make the grade you hoped for, and that's OK. It's not the end of the world, so don't sweat it.
The best nights of my freshman year were spent in mine and my friends' dorm rooms, laughing and watching movies and eating junk food till we felt like we could explode. The priceless memories spent doing just that are ones that will stay with me forever. I can't even count how many times we danced in my room, singing every word to the High School Musical soundtrack.
As valuable as those times are, I've learned that you also need to have time to yourself. Yes, need. You have to let yourself recharge and relax, so you don't get sick of your friends. Sometimes you just need to take a nap, go read a book while laying in your ENO, or whatever you want to do that de-stresses you. Or maybe even study.
Also, freshman year gives you a sense of freedom like you've never felt; at least, it did for me. Freedom doesn't mean going out and getting wild. Freedom for me has been going on a Walmart run at 10:30 at night to get snacks that I'm craving. Freedom is going on a Taco Bell run at midnight simply because I'm hungry. Freedom is not having to tell your parents where you are every minute. But be careful what you do with your freedom- don't go crazy.
Something that is often overlooked is how messy your tiny little dorm room can get in such a small amount of time. You'll have a roommate, so you can take turns cleaning, but still, don't underestimate how quickly your clothes pile up or how fast the sink gets dirty. Don't forget to clean! This is something I procrastinated doing until it almost seemed impossible, so don't be like me.
Freshman year was filled with new memories, homesickness, independence, and a lot of firsts. If you find the right people to spend it with, it'll go by so fast that you're left wondering how it's not still move-in day. As I sit here, officially done with my freshman year, I'm not going to lie, I shed a few tears. Although I'm excited for the fun times and experiences I'll have my sophomore year, nothing will ever be like freshman year. Don't take any moment for granted, because it'll go by faster than you can blink. Freshman year, you will be missed.
