Your first year of college is built up into an exciting yet scary next step in life, and there seems to be so many expectations. Every family party and gathering that follows your first day of school is bombarded with an interrogation of your social life, major, and grades. It feels amazing to have so many loved ones that care how you're doing, but most of the time you feel compelled to make it sound better than it really is. Letting your family down would be devastating so you doctor your response to something you think they might want to hear. The truth is, you're overwhelmed!
You are not alone.
Realizing you're not the only one that feels this way is beyond important. You hear alumni preach at orientation that everyone goes through this adjustment stage, but it is hard to accept when everyone else seems to be so happy. They were telling the truth and you are not alone, whatsoever. The girl in the library with her head buried under a pile of books, the boy on the elliptical at the gym, and the girls ahed of you in line at Fuel have all been there.
Your agenda will be full.
Balancing harder classes, college parties, study habits, staying in shape, and trying not to eat bread for every meal are just of few of the items on your plate. It is okay to feel like you're lost every once in a while. Stay motivated and plan ahed for future assignments... before the due date. Don't let your friends higher grade stop you from trying harder next time. Don't become discouraged when you fail. Learn from your mistakes and improve on yourself before you consider giving up. Don't give up!
Seek help when you need it and accept it when it is offered.
You don't always have to tell your great uncle Harry every worry and uncertainty you're feeling, but your family is there for support and their advice can be unbelievably helpful. Try not to build an alternative life when describing your experience to friends or family because it will only leave you feeling unaccomplished and empty when you aren't living up to the impossible standards you've set for yourself. You may compare yourself to your friends, we all do it, but use their successes as motivation and learn from them and with them.
Remember that your family loves you no matter what your GPA is and changing your major is okay. Try to enjoy the little moments and keep the bigger picture in mind.
