Dear high school seniors,
As your time in high school comes to an end, try to realize that you are fixing to embark on the real world. Living on your own, paying bills, dealing with financial aid; it's tough, scary, and at times overwhelming.
A common misconception about college is that you're going to fall right into place. While this sometimes happens, it does not happen for everyone. Just because you feel lonely on move in day does not mean you're going to be lonely your entire college career.
Enter college knowing that it is hard. You're going to have teachers you don't like, topics you don't understand, and tests you completely fail. But you're also going to have teachers you adore, subjects you love, and classes you never want to leave. Life is all about balance, and believe it or not, college is a learning experience. Use your first semester to test the waters; find the teachers you love, the electives you enjoy, and the lectures you don't mind sitting through.
Nothing is harder than stepping into a room full of 200 hundred other students and realizing that a one-on-one relationship with your teacher is almost nonexistent. Although you may be bored out of your mind, put your phone away. The crazy thing about college is that you're spending an enormous amount of money on your classes. Do your best to listen and be present.
Don't get mad if your professor does not remember your name, I promise it is not because you aren't remarkable; they just have a lot on their plates. Be nice, be patient, and be understanding.
If you change your major, don't fret; most students will change it in their first year. Try not to feel like you're a failure, because you aren't. It's easy to have dreams, but sometimes they change; that's okay.
College opens up an entirely new world of partying: clubs, frat houses, campus raves. All of these things are extremely fun, but they are not why you're going to college. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with the new freedom you have, but be smart.
Do not rely on partying and school work to be enough, try to get involved. Greek life, campus clubs, study groups; these are all great places to find friends while also finding things you enjoy.
College is a great place to find yourself, but it is also a time to do your best and prepare for the real-real world that comes after your college graduation.
Be wary, be smart, and be yourself. You're going to be fine.
