To college freshmen:
You're probably wondering where all of the time has gone. It seems as though just yesterday you were making that jump from junior high to high school; and now, suddenly you are getting ready to move into what will be your home for the next ten or so months. You might be excited, I know I was. Or, you might be dreading the day, extremely nervous about being away from your family, your friends, and familiarity. That is okay. It is okay to be scared. It is okay to feel anxiety for the unknown. But, you must know that no matter what happens, everything will work out as it is supposed to.
In the first two weeks, you are probably going to want to come home. You are probably going to realize that this whole 'higher education' crap is a lot more difficult than you might have imagined. It may not be the classes or school work, but rather the responsibility mixed with the freedom and pressure. But I urge you not to quit. Try to gut it out for the first semester. Your first semester tells you what you need to know. You will either look back on it and understand that although difficult, you really love where you are. You are ready to tackle round two in January. Or, it will tell you that where you are is not what you thought it would be, and you are ready to pursue a different major, different school, or even a different path. And, I want you to know that all of that is okay.
College is going to test you. You are going to think that you're the only one that doesn't have it figured out, but I promise you that you are not. You are going to be tested. But you are also going to make some great memories. You are going to meet some great people, and you are going to find out things about yourself that you never realized.
Go out and make friends. The great thing about higher education is that there is a greater chance you will find people with your same interests. Maybe you're not about the party scene. Maybe you're more about coffee and book club dates. In college, you can find others who are the same. Interact with everyone. Be open-minded. It is the only way you'll find what you really like and what you really hate. Involve yourself in as many activities as possible in that first year because then you can find out what you want to dedicate time to and what is not as important to you as you once thought. Make sure you make time to relax. Make sure you make time to explore. There are so many opportunities in school that you are going to want to be a part of. Take the free exercise classes and join the free meditation groups. It is the only way to learn about the world you will be entering after you graduate.
The entire process and experience of college is an education not only about the subject matter you are studying but also on life. You will learn when you don't even know you are learning. And, it all goes by so fast. I feel as though I was just moving into my non-air-conditioned dorm just yesterday. But, the fact of the matter is, I wasn't. Instead, I will be moving into my 'luxurious' senior living space in a matter of days. Make the most of the short four years you have. Live, learn, and pay attention. I promise you will be okay. Good luck with this next step of your journey.
