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To My Younger Cousin Who's Going To College For The First Time

From one college student to another.

Sydney Gelb

Aug 15, 2016

Lehigh University

2431

To My Younger Cousin Who's Going To College For The First Time

Talia,

I can't believe it's already time for you to pack up and leave for college. It seems like just yesterday you were a brown mop-headed little girl running around naked and playing strange yet fascinating (at least in your eyes) games at family gatherings. It truly is amazing how quickly time goes by.

In lieu of our recent escapades through Europe, and you being the oldest child in your family, I felt the responsibility to write this letter to you as my older siblings did for me.

College is going to be the best four years of your life; don't take it for granted. There are so many new areas to explore, people to meet and adventures to be had. Enjoy every moment. Remember to have fun, but also know that it's more fun to have nights you won't forget with people you'll remember and cherish forever. Be rowdy, but be responsible; don't lose your focus on academics, as they are your main reason for being there.

Create your own experiences. Sure it's nice to have a helping hand guide you a bit along the way, but don't forget that college is the time to let go and to learn who you really are and what you want from life. Stay in touch with your friends from home, but detach yourself from your phone. Those are relationships you've made over the last 18 years; if they're strong, they will survive.

Make sure you keep your parents updated. Annoying as they can be (love you both), they're worried because you're their first child who's flying all the way across the country and going on this life-changing journey without their guidance. Let them know you're alive and well and having the time of your life.

Lastly, be as open, lively and as inviting as you are with me to every new face you meet. Some may blossom into friendships, while others may turn into uncomfortable "hellos" around campus, but all the same, that's part of the experience. Make friends for a lifetime, and if you're up for it, maybe even sisters.

Love you to the moon and back, little cousin. I can't wait to see what you're going to do.

Infinite Xs and Os,

Syd

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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To My Younger Cousin Who's Going To College For The First Time

From one college student to another.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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