The whole going to college thing, leaving home, and being on your own for the first time is scary, but do you know what's even scarier? Having to pick what you want to do for the rest of your life as a senior in high school at only 17 or 18 years old. If you're anything like me, you probably just picked whatever you were good at in high school and if you're even more like me, then you probably figured out that was the wrong decision.
As a sophomore in college with about a year and half of experience under my belt, I already have a million things I wish I would have known before starting this new stage in my life. First, I wish someone would have sat me down and asked me what I am really passionate about. I don't think enough students think about this before they choose a major or career path. On the other hand maybe they do, but their passion is frowned upon by family, friends, or even society. It seems we spend more time talking people out of doing what they love because "there's no money in it" instead of encouraging them to pursue their dreams. I think the most valuable thing I have learned so far is that you have to be passionate about something to be successful in it.
Second, college isn't all about studying and homework. In order to remain sane, you have to have fun, too. So, shut the book once in a while and go out to eat with your friends or even just have a movie night.
Also, learn how to manage your time. Planners, calendars, all of the above. Good time management is the key to success in college. The work load is much heavier than high school, and you still want to have time for fun stuff, like joining clubs and playing intramurals.
In addition to time management, learn how to study. This was the biggest thing I struggled with. If high school was a breeze for you like it was for me, then college will be a rude awakening. I rarely touched my textbooks in high school, made a few note cards for some tests, and had a 4.0. College, on the other hand, is a whole other ball game. Reading and learning from your books is a skill you must have to do well. Most professors will expect you to know everything, even if you never went over it in class.
Furthermore, don't be afraid to change your mind. I know for me, I never saw myself in the position of wanting to change my major. However, here I am realizing that I really don't want to spend 15 years of my life taking science classes to become a cardiologist, but rather what I really am passionate about is the Spanish language and culture.
Lastly, call your parents and anyone else that's helped get you to where you are. You leaving for college is hard on them; maybe even harder for them than it is for you. So make time to call them and tell them how you're doing so they can spend a few minutes not worrying about you. Also, tell them thank you for all that they do for you. I think we, too, often forget how much the people in our lives do for us, so make sure you show appreciation.
Overall, college is a crazy, scary, and amazing experience, but it will fly by. So study hard, have fun, and know that it's OK if you have no idea what you want to do with your life at 17 or 18 years old!
