If you are an incoming freshman, I am sure that someone (or multiple people) have told you (probably a couple million times), “Enjoy your college years! They will be over before you know it.” We have all heard our friends’ and family’s crazy college stories, and we constantly hear about how your college years are the best years of your life, but what is so great about college?
College starts a brand new chapter in your life! As a young adult, you will get to experience various opportunities. Perhaps the most exciting part of college is exploring your new found freedom and becoming the person that you want to be. I can only encourage you to make each moment count and to step outside of your comfort zone from time to time. College is your time to find yourself; however, there will be times when you are unsuccessful. You are going to make rookie mistakes like forgetting to set your alarm and oversleeping through your test (speaking from experience here)! Your college experiences, good and bad, will help you grow into the best version of yourself.
College teaches you how to become an independent contributing member of society. YIKES! I know that sounds intimidating, but for the first time in your life, you will be moving away from home and learning how to get by on your own. This will mean having to take on new responsibilities such as cooking for yourself and doing your own laundry. However, being independent is not just about responsibility. It can be liberating to be on your own, making your own rules and living your own life how you want, when you want. Ordering pizza at three in the morning without anyone questioning it is a feeling like no other. College teaches you how to balance freedom while taking care of your responsibilities.
College is a time for fun, but do not lose sight of why you are here. Yes, I am talking about academics! If you want to be a successful college student, it is important to learn how to manage your time. For me, the threat of flunking out and having to move back home is all the motivation I need to do well in my classes. Pulling all-nighters and waiting until the last minute is not the most effective way to learn. Am I your mother? No. If there is anyone who struggles with potentially missing out, it is me. However, it is important for you to put in the time and effort into your classes in order to ensure the future that you have planned for yourself. Remember, there will always be more nights out, but there will not always be more grading opportunities! Stay in school, kids! You will thank me on graduation day.
So, what is so great about college? You become the person you want to be without realizing it. These next four years are all about learning either in the classroom or through life experiences. It is your time to embrace opportunities and make memories, all the while sculpting your future. This is your college experience, so make the most of it!
