As of today, I've been studying at FIT for two months and living in dorms for two months. This week has marked the middle of the semester, and I've learned so much in these past two months. From embracing who I am to getting into the groove of college the first few months teach you a lot more than you think. So here's a few things I've learned/noticed in the past few months.
1. I've embraced more of who I am as a person
Being at such a diverse school, you get to try more things and be who you want without feeling judged and attacked. It is an amazing feeling being in an environment where you can truly be you and express yourself among so many talented people at such an amazing school.
2. You seriously need to get out of that bubble you hide in
Imagine this: you have severe anxiety about actually stepping out and talking to people and getting yourself out there, so instead you sit in your room and not talk to anyone or do any networking. Now, imagine stepping out and managing to get an internship your first few weeks of being at school, getting noticed some time later and asked to write an article about a fantastic event coming up at your school. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today had I not stepped out of my bubble. In fact if I didn't force myself to step out of my bubble on a daily basis, even though everything in me screams not to do it, I would not be where I am today.
3. Always maintain a support system
Whether it be with some friends from home, new friends you've made at school, or even a mix of both. You'll seriously need a support system as you get through college. In fact I'm still developing mine. You'll seriously need a group of people who you know will have your back at the end of the day whether it be down to like three people or much more! This is something you're seriously going to need.
4. Take a breather every so often
Your first semester can end up making you question why you're actually in school still. The best thing to do in those moments is breathe. Seriously take a moment just to sit and collect your thoughts, it'll help you make it through some of the hardest moments of your life. Just relax and remember what will come out of this in the long run.
5. This is all just temporary
This is for if you get to the point where you're so stressed out you just want to break down in tears. One of my favorite things to do is remember that school is just another 4-6 years and after that you've got a whole career ahead of you. If you're like me, then it's the life you've been dreaming of for a while now and that'll calm you down to the max.
6. DON'T FORGET TO EAT
One of the worst things I sometimes do, I get so busy I forget to eat, or I just don't have time. Seriously make a chance to eat, don't do what I did and lose oh so much weight because you're worried about making sure you perfect that flimsy paper. Even if it means you need to take 30 minutes to cook yourself some food and give yourself time to eat. Seriously, I lost so much weight because of being too busy working that I forget to eat, it's not a good thing at all.
I hope this helps you in any way; these are things I wish someone told me. Good luck Everyone !