An Open Letter To Myself As I Begin College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

An Open Letter To Myself As I Begin College

Study hard, don’t party too much, and make sure to have a fun and fufilling freshman experience.

74
An Open Letter To Myself As I Begin College
College Culture

After 18 years, you’ve made it. Hundreds of essays, thousands of looseleaf paper, hours upon hours staying up to do homework, and almost two decades of listening to people tell you what you have to do, you’ve made it to the realm of adulthood and college. Ironically enough, people will still be telling you what to do and you’re probably going to have double the amount of work to complete, but there’s something freeing about heading off to college and being considered a legal adult for the first time.

It’s been a pretty wild ride so far, and it’s only been the first week of school. Do you remember when you first drove up to campus on that early Tuesday morning, car filled to the brim with suitcases, cardboard boxes, and packages? You were so focused on getting dorm supplies and clothes to make your room look nice that you forgot school supplies were actually a thing too, and you were actually going to school to learn. The entire summer involved working for some last-minute cash, spending time with your closest friends before you moved hundreds of miles away from them, and preparing for life at college. You didn’t really know necessarily what to feel. Free, because you could finally have fun without your parents wondering about your every move. Excited, because you could make so many different and new friends. Nostalgic, because you were leaving behind a life at home filled with your oldest friends and family. And nervous, because you were starting an entirely new chapter of your life that essentially defined the rest of your future.

But for some reason, all of the qualms and fears you had regarding college seem to dissipate as you reached campus and saw your new home for the next four years. Screaming upperclassmen were holding up signs with “Remember to wear your retainer (or not)” and “Give us your kids” and the most realistic, “Welcome to college.” Even with cheesy and uncomfortable icebreakers, awkward handshakes with strangers you never saw again, and the minutes you spent trying to find people you knew in a sea of hundred of people, you felt great. The people were welcoming, the atmosphere was comforting, and you knew that even though you may be homesick for a while, life at college was going to be okay.

But don’t forget why you came here: to get an education that millions of kids your age today (and even younger) don’t have the access to. To prepare yourself for the impending future that is adulthood, so when you leave home, you’ll be ready for a life of taxes and mortgage rates and a job that you’ll (hopefully) love. To make friends of a lifetime. To create relationships and bonds that matter to you. To have an experience filled with memories unlike any other. And one of the most important ones: to make your parents proud.

College has been pretty awesome so far, but there probably will be bumps along the way that will bring you back to this letter wondering how things have changed. Study hard, don’t party too much, and make sure to have a fun and fufilling freshman experience. You may be nervous about the next four years, but who isn’t? Just try to be the happiest person you can be, and hopefully, I won't see you again for another four years.

With love,

Yourself

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

930
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15890
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

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

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

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

3291
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments