There's more to Oxford than Brick Street. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Campuses

To Miami University Freshmen From A Second Semester Senior, Know This

Enjoy college while you can.

276
To Miami University Freshmen From A Second Semester Senior, Know This
Julia Waterbury

As I'm nearing the end of my college career, I can look back and say with confidence that choosing Miami University was one of the smartest decisions that I've made. I've absolutely loved my three-and-a-half years at Miami and am so thankful for all that I've learned and the lifelong friends that I've made. My time here has definitely flown by, but I've managed to learn a few things that I hope to pass down.

Rubbing the turtle heads doesn't work. 

I'm sorry to break it to you but, no, rubbing the turtle heads on the sundial will not ensure that you do well on your exam. I have only ever failed one exam and it was after I rubbed the turtle heads (RIP to my calc grade). And no, I did not step on the seal after I rubbed the turtle heads.

Still don't step on the seal.

Despite the fact that I've debunked the myth of the turtle heads, you will not find me stepping on the seal. I've never tried it myself, but I've heard stories. Even as a second semester senior with a case of senioritis I value my grades too much to risk that one.

Listen to your professors when they say to find an internship.

Julia Waterbury

There's a lot of pressure to get an internship at Miami and sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming. However, as someone who had an internship, I can tell you that it's one of the best decisions you can make. I learned so much from my internship and even landed a full-time job there after I graduate.

There's more to Oxford than Brick Street. 

We all know that Brick (along with all the other bars Uptown) is one of the most popular spots for students on a Friday or Saturday night. While there's nothing wrong with going out and having a good time in college, going out isn't everything. There's so much more to Oxford and college than bars. College is all about making memories, so go out (or stay in) and make some that you'll remember.

Study abroad.

Julia Waterbury

Studying abroad was without a doubt the best experience I've had in my time at Miami. We're so fortunate at Miami to have so many options for study abroad. I chose to spend a summer on the French Riviera, but you can go anywhere! Pro tip: if you're an in-state student the Miami programs are the same tuition as you'd pay in Oxford, but for you out-of-state students like me, look at other study abroad companies' programs. They're significantly less expensive and your credits still transfer!

Work hard, but remember that grades aren't everything. 

I've always been a perfectionist and my grades are no exception. I spent all of high school and most of college beating myself up every time I got a B. While it's important to work hard and to strive to get good grades, your grades aren't everything. Looking back I wish I hadn't put so much pressure on myself to get straight As. Instead of actually making me smarter, all of that pressure just made me feel stressed and frustrated when I didn't meet my own standards.

If you haven't already, get involved. 

Julia Waterbury

I've said since I was a freshman that getting involved in campus organizations is the most important part of college, and I would still agree with that statement. Miami has so many different clubs that you can join that everyone is guaranteed to find the place where they feel like they belong. I recommend joining a professional organization as well as one that aligns with your personal interests, whether that's a sports club, a campus ministry group, or a sorority/fraternity.

Don't be scared at the prospect of graduating. You'll be ready.

I remember that my freshman year I was terrified by the knowledge that I only had four more years before I was going to be thrown into the real world. I was already absolutely loving college and in no way thought that four years was long enough. However, now, three-and-a-half years later, I can say that I'm definitely looking forward to graduating and to what's to come.

Enjoy college while you can.

Julia Waterbury

Even with the above being said, still make the most of your college experience. College is a time in your life like no other, and I can tell you that those four years will fly by. Cherish the time that you get to spend seeing your best friends every day and enjoy the freedom of being (almost) an adult without all of the responsibility.

I hope everyone has as wonderful of an experience at Miami as I've had. Although I'm looking forward to graduating and moving on, I'm definitely going to miss our beautiful brick campus and all the wonderful people there.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

6295
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

3838
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

4753
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

2779
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments