Dear College Freshman,

Congratulations! You did it! You are now an adult! You have probably just made the biggest decision in your whole 18 years of living. You have found your new home and are getting ready to embark on the next chapter of your life. As this new chapter begins, you are probably wondering how in the world college is going to work and how you are going to adjust to it. Well, let me first tell you it is a huge adjustment. However, everyone around you is going through the same thing, so you are not alone. You are surrounded by young adults who are experiencing many different emotions. There will be some who are so excited to finally be “free” from their parents, some who don’t know if they will survive without mom and dad, and others who are experiencing a mixture of those emotions in addition to others. When you are a college freshman, it is about experiencing new things and perfecting others. You are most likely going to try things that you never thought you would do. It is important to have an open mind. This is your chance to explore new avenues, new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You could find a new hobby, a new career opportunity, or your new “home away from home”. Go out for your school’s play, join an intramural team, join Greek life, or even join your school’s campus activities board. There is something out there for everyone including you. So, put yourself out there and try new things to find your “fit” here at school.

Another important aspect of college is to start to work on time management as soon as you get to school. Before you know it, you will have three exams and a project due in one week. Please do not let time slip away while you are out there trying to figure out who you truly are. As important as it is to explore all the opportunities surrounding you, your success is the classroom should be your first priority.

Lastly, keep in touch with your family. Even though you may think that they aren’t going through anything at home, they are. They are transitioning to a new life where one of their babies has left the nest. They are trying to figure out how to let you live your life and how they are going to live theirs since you are now not at home every day. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your mom every once in a while. She will love that more than you know. Also when you go home, thank your mom for all the home-cooked meals and the laundry of yours she is most likely doing. Spend time with your family because they miss you more than you will ever know. Good luck your freshmen year!

Sincerely,

A College Sophomore