Dear Incoming Freshmen,
The time has come for you to start the next chapter of your life - college. For many of you, high school was the best four years of your life and the friends you've made are going to be really hard to say goodbye to. For others, high school was a chapter you wish to delete from your memory entirely and if you're being really honest you are not thrilled about college either. Whichever way your feelings fall, the time is approaching for you to embark on your next big adventure. But not so fast, before you run off to experience the "free world as an adult," let me give you a few pieces of advice that will hopefully make your college experience the best it can possibly be.
Don't give your family the cold shoulder. Enjoy the rest of the summer with your family, making sure that you cherish every second. Take as many mental and actual pictures as you can. Don't waste time being on your phone, spending too much time with friends and ignoring your siblings. Remember that you're flying the coop also affects your family. Soon there will be an empty seat at the dinner table, one less load of laundry to do and one more empty bedroom. Your family will notice that you are gone, so love them well for as long as you can (there will be inevitable tears).
Living adult-ish. Admit it, turning 18 was one of your proudest moments for the sole fact that you can say "I'm an adult now." I like to compare college life to flying an airplane. The pilot of the plane in charge of directing the course, but is usually accompanied by a co-pilot. A co-pilot sits next to the pilot, ready to assist when needed (and if you're lucky they will fill up the gas tank). Although we often think we can fly our own course completely solo once we make it to college, we can't. As long as your parents are helping you pay for tuition, groceries, medical bills etc., you are not completely free. Take the freedom that you do have to start living an adult-ish life. Get a job and make responsible decisions; pretty soon you will be on your way to full-blown adulthood!
Appreciate your parents. Move-in day is one of the best days of the year for several reasons and your parents are probably just as excited as you are. Let them ask the silly questions, pay for your decorations and take a ridiculous amount of pictures. Homesickness is inevitable - it is OK and NORMAL to miss your house, siblings and (gasp) even your parents! The best thing you can do is pick up the phone and call your parents; you won't regret it. Saying "I miss you," or "I love you," will go a long way and will leave you feeling relieved. There is nothing more that your parents want than to hear you say those three little words. Acknowledge them, keep them updated about your life and always appreciate them, because parents are one of the biggest blessings life has to offer.
There's no place like home. The town and people you grew up with played a significant part in your life, so don't forget about them. Your grade school teachers, middle school mistakes, and high school friends have helped you become who you are TODAY. You will meet so many people from many different cultures, customs and upbringings. Whatever you do, try not to insult the people and place you spent so many years growing up. Trust me, been there done that - you will regret it. Look back at your hometown and realize that there are so many good life lessons it has taught you. Cherish and always be thankful for those roots that make you one of a kind.
So freshmen, welcome to the world of college! Eat well, sleep often and study hard. Choose your friends wisely, forgive as often as you can and always choose joy. Remember that the Creator of this world, also created you to be someone amazing, don't miss out on His plans.
