As my senior year of undergraduate studies draws to a close, I've been reflecting on all the things I've learned this semester that I wish I'd known my freshman year. Thankfully, if I had to go back and do these four years all over again, there really isn't much that I would change. There are a few things that I may choose to do differently, situations that I would handle with more tact, but overall, my undergraduate career has been one that I'm proud of. However, for anyone who still has some time left in their undergraduate career, hopefully some of this advice is helpful for you.
1. Don't look for a career, look for a calling.
Please follow your dreams and choose a calling, not a career. The people who love their jobs the most are the ones that do what they love, whether or not it's profitable. My Uncle Chris is a musician. Though people may argue that music is more of a hobby than a career, I would beg to differ. It's not just a career for him, it is a calling. When he plays the piano, people stop and listen because he weaves a beautiful story with each note. He found his calling, and he is doing what he loves. Don't be that person who chooses a major based on the profit you could get in the future. If you're going to be rich and miserable, does the money really balance out how much you hate your job?
2. Choose your friends wisely.
Find people who love you for who you are, people whose love for you is selfless. Keep those people around. Find a group of friends who can be your second family because you might not get to see your actual family much. Your closest friends may end up being people from your freshman dorm, or maybe people who have been in classes for your major since day one. Friends may come and go, and that's OK. It's sad, but it happens. Just make sure that you keep a solid support group of friends around. You may need them just as much as they will need you.
3. Join a sports team that acts like a team and feels like a family.
I started off trying to play intramural soccer my freshman year because soccer was what I had known for a good 10 years of my life. I hated intramural soccer. There were no practices, our team barely saw each other and after the games were over, we all went our separate ways. That's not a team. Once I joined a club triathlon team, I realized just how important the team aspect really is. Even if you're doing an individual sport like triathlon, gymnastics, cross-country, etc., then having teammates to work out with and encourage you is so important. You may be competing on your own, but you need to train as a team. Don't be afraid to try a new sport!
4. Date someone who makes you laugh.
This was honestly the best piece of advice I could have ever received, and it came from my boss. To preface this, he's basically a second dad to everyone who works for him. Most of us started working for him as high school students, and we've stuck around just because of him. But basically, the best advice he's ever given me was the advice to date your best friend, the one who makes you laugh, someone who you would rather do life with than without. You wouldn't think that laughter would be so important, but I'll vouch that laughter brings a lot of joy and life into a relationship. Even if you're laughing and rolling your eyes at the same time, that's still better than being bored or angry.
5. Seek counseling and mental health help if you need it.
Mental health is such a touchy subject, but it doesn't need to be. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, especially since your mental health can and will affect your physical health. Remember that you are never truly alone in your personal battles, nor do you have to battle anything on your own. People will be there for you and support you through the storm. If you need to seek counseling, then please do so. It's humbling to admit that you can't do this on your own, but it's also freeing because it takes away so much of your burden.
6. Give your parents a call at least once a week.
After all, you might not get to see them that often. I know that just talking to my mom for a few minutes really helps me feel less homesick. In addition, they probably want to talk to you too. Even if you only talk to them for a little bit, just calling them and letting them know you're OK and that you still love them will brighten their day a little bit.
College is a lot of fun. It seems a little overwhelming at first, but you will get through it. Just take things one day at a time, and remember to breathe. All your brain needs to function is glucose and oxygen. As long as you're eating and breathing, you'll make it. Throw some sleep in there and you'll be good to go.
