Freshman year...
It was simultaneously a whirlwind, a wonderful experience, and a nightmare. Some events changed my life forever, some left me scarred, and some were simply the best I have encountered to date. All in all, I would say my freshman year of college blind sided me, to say the least. I never thought I'd make a new best friend, break up with my then serious boyfriend, watch some friendships flourish and some utterly fail.... But enough about that. Here are some things I wish I could tell my freshman year self.
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1.) Almost everyone else is just as nervous as you
It's scary! You're leaving home for the first time, encountering the real world, beginning higher education... What's not intimidating about that?! Some people might be totally chill about it, but a lot of people will be nervous as well. It's okay to feel scared.
2.) It's okay to miss your family
It's okay to want to see your mom. It's okay to miss your little sister or older brother or your dog. Gosh, I missed my dog. Know that it's normal and not childish at all to long for the people you care for.
3.) It's okay if you don't always miss your family
It's also okay if you don't miss your fam. It's okay to be content to have increased independence and to enjoy your adult-like freedom. You don't need to feel bad if you don't need to call your dad every night.
4.) You might not become bffs with your roommate/suitemates/hallmates
It's unreasonable to expect that you'll click seamlessly with everyone you live with. Especially if you didn't have a choice and/or you're living with total strangers.There's nothing wrong with you if you don't become best friends with these people! You might, and if so that's great but if not, get to know other people other ways. Take each relationship as a growing experience and love all those around you.
5.) Talk to people in your classes
Get to know the people you see regularly! Make friends with your lab partner. Sit next to that transfer student. Talk to the girl who always answers the prof's questions in class. Ask deeper questions to the people in your group projects.
6.) Being popular and well-known/well-liked isn't everything
Honestly, regardless of what size school you go to, popularity is simply an illusion. Sorry if it's something you really care about but to be real, no one will care in about 5 years. You won't see many of these people again so find some quality friends and stick with them. Don't sweat over people knowing your name; they won't even remember it one day.
7.) Don't get caught up in drama
Dude it's soooo not worth it. Subtweeting is for middle school. It doesn't matter if she unfollowed you on insta. Life is more than the petty things. Focus on what and who really matters. It might seem like the end of the world in one moment but look back at high school. The things that seemed to matter so much then are just memories and lessons learned now! Don't allow your growth and enjoyment of what God has to for you to be diminished by getting caught up by lousy people and crummy situations.
8.) Don't take school so seriously
Your life isn't over because you got a B. C's really do get degrees. Try your best because you're paying to be here and you want to learn, but don't forsake friendships for studying every single time. I promise you won't look back on your college years and wish you had spent that one night hitting the books even more. No, you'll look back and be glad you stayed out until 3 a.m. going to Steak n' Shake with the people you love most.
9.) It's not all about getting a boy/girlfriend/husband/wife
Chill the freak out. It's not all about finding a significant other. Being single is actually kinda dope. Relax, trust God with it, have fun, and make friends. You're probably going to have your heart broken. You're probably going to be lied to. You're probably going to hurt someone. Remember your relationship with Christ is what matters most. Keep growing as a person and if someone else is going that same direction, you'll find each other.
