Dear Freshman Me,
College may or may not be the best part of your life. You find new friends, say goodbye to the old ones, fall in love, get your heart broken, and you might even figure out what you're meant to do in this world. I'll admit it, sometimes college sucks, and you'll want to drop out. But, someone once told me "Everything happens for a reason," and believe it or not, they were right.
This next year is going to be one of the hardest years of your college career. It's worth it. There's the pressure of finding a major, harder classes, and fitting in with a new social structure. I know it sounds crazy, but you'll have a whole new take on life. Just don't expect everything to fall into place all at once. It doesn't work that way. Your time will come when you are happy and all is picture-perfect. Even though I just recently moved on from being a freshman, I would like to give you some little pieces of advice I wish people would have told me when I was in your shoes.
1. Don't be afraid if you don't know what you want to do with your life.
Sounds scary right? I mean you have an idea of what path you want to take but where do you begin? That's the beauty of college. People are there to help you find yourself. They help you plan for the future, map out every little detail just for you, and guide you ALL the way. And what's even better is if you don't think one major is the perfect match for you, then that's okay! You can honestly change your major as many times as you want until you find the right one. You have the whole world in the palm of your hand. Knowing you, it won't be hard to find your dream career.
2. Be a "yes man"!
This was the best advice I ever heard as a freshman. Never turn down an opportunity because who knows where it might take you! (Except, say no to the drugs and alcohol, kids.) Coming to college is so thrilling and exciting and nerve-racking all at once. If the girl who lives next to you asks if you want to go to the football game together, then you go! If there's a bonfire out in the middle of nowhere, then you and your squad go! Jump into friendships head first because these people could end up being your best friends for the rest of your life. So go be spontaneous and get out of your comfort zone! You don't want to miss out on this part.
3. Don't get into a relationship.
I was very thankful I wasn't in a relationship my freshman year. I mean if you want to date that cute guy down the hall, then you do you honey, but in all honesty, don't get tied down your first year of college. You just moved to a new town, and are all by yourself for the first time. YOU ARE FREE! You want the chance to be independent and not let anything hold you back. So don't do it. You'll thank me later.
4. Have fun! Don't take everything so seriously.
Yes, college is the last thing before the big real world. Everything comes down to your GPA, what grades you got in classes, how many finals you passed, etc. etc. etc. Yes, school should be taken seriously, but if you had one crappy week or failed a midterm, who cares! It happens to the best of us. Nobody's perfect, so move on and know that you'll do better next time. College is going to suck if you try to take everything seriously. Make sure you have a social life outside of school otherwise you are going to be miserable.
5. Trust in Him!
When you feel like nothing is going your way, just remember these words: God's got me. Yeah, I hit rock bottom a few times last year, it happens. But I never stopped believing that He had a plan. I know it sounds scary that you have to let everything go at some point and trust in Him, but it is oh so worth it. He's working so hard to make sure everything lines up for you in the end. "God is making things happen for you. Even when you don't see it. Even when you can't feel it. Even if it's not evident. God is working on your prayers."
You're going to do great things. I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for you. Yeah, it's going to be one hell of a rollercoaster ride, but every little moment leads to something wonderful. So go! Go enjoy your first year of college. Go make friends and lasting memories. Go live it up. You got this.
With love,
Your Sophomore Self
