I remember the feelings you are feeling right now. I remember the fears and worries, the excitement and the fear again. I know you think you are about to walk into this foreign world where everyone is older than you and that you are going to be all alone. I remember all of those feelings. But I am here to tell you that you are wrong, just like I was.
First of all, you must know you are not alone. Yes, you are a freshman all over again and yes, you are the “new kid” on campus. But everyone that you see walking around you, was once the same new kid you are now. Everyone went through finding their first class. Everyone went through having their first syllabus week where they felt so overwhelmed but so excited at the same time. So with that being said, please do not hesitate to ask questions. It's not lame or uncool to ask someone where you can find the student center or the classroom that doesn’t show up on any map you have. It’ll only be worse if you don’t ask your peers. They are the people who will let you learn from their mistakes.
Next, be prepared for a completely different lifestyle. There is no more eighth period or lunch in the senior cafe. Welcome to the big leagues. This is where you find people eating lunch on random benches or in hallways. This is where you’ll find people excited (sometimes) to go to class to learn about the subjects they have chosen instead of watching people go to class just to sleep in the back corner. There is also no more, “Can I hand it in after next period,” or “I’m sorry, I forgot it in my locker; could I go grab it?” You’re a grown up now and the professors will treat you like it. So if you aren’t good at remembering things, I suggest you get a planner.
Also, it isn’t a lie when people tell you that the friends you make here will be your friends for life. The people you meet on a college campus are totally different than the people you will meet in high school. Of course, there is the obvious that people are simply more mature. The “drama” you dealt with in high school is different than what you will feel in college. Yes, it still exists, but hopefully not as prevalent. But please remember, don’t limit to yourself to one group of people. One of the greatest things about going to college is the numerous opportunities there are to get involved and try new things. You will meet all kinds of new people as long as you are open to it. If you’re looking to fit in with the popular kids because you didn’t in high school, stop looking because you won’t find one popular group of students. There are way too many different groups of people for you to stick to just one.
My point is, if you are worried or nervous about leaving high school – don’t be. You may think now that you’ll miss it, but if you really open yourself up to everything college has to offer you, you’ll question why you ever wanted to go back. The people, the atmosphere and the life is so much different and 10 times greater.
Be open to new opportunities – this is your chance to try out everything you’ve ever wanted to. Do not stress about the freshman 15 or the sophomore slump - eating French fries at four a.m. with your roommates is a better time than counting calories. Do not skip too many hours of sleep to go out because you will get sick and your grades will drop and you pay way too much money to let that happen. Do not stress too much about the homework and the assignments - there are plenty of tutors and extra help you can get as long as you try. Do not feel like you are alone and that you won’t make it because you will.
Remember to enjoy your summer and relax. Do not over plan your dorm, because you’ll never fit it all. And lastly, on behalf of every college student you will ever meet, welcome to the best years of your life.
