My college experience was one filled with laughter, tears, hugs, cheers, late nights, and a lot of caffeine. It shaped me, challenged me, and grew me. There were many things I learned throughout those four years, but there were also many things I didn't realize I learned until I had crossed that stage and turned my tassel. If I could go back and give freshman Maria some advice, I'd tell her...
What I Wish I Knew as a College Freshman
I vividly remember the drive to college for my freshman move-in day. It was a hot, sunny August day when my family and I toted two cars, stuffed with everything we could fit into them, across state borders. I remember my stomach turning with both nerves and excitement as I drove. Would I make friends? Would I survive my classes? Would I miss my family? Would these really be the “good years” like everyone says?
I'm happy to report that those four years really were the “good years." My college experience was one filled with laughter, tears, hugs, cheers, late nights, and a lot of caffeine. It shaped me, challenged me, and grew me.
There were many things I learned throughout those four years—how to check my tire pressure, what my favorite coffee order is, how to perfectly time my cafeteria breakfast so I could sleep in as late as possible and not miss my 8am.
But there were also many things I didn't realize I learned until I had crossed that stage and turned my tassel.
If I could go back and give freshman Maria some advice, here's what I'd share:
1. Be authentically and unapologetically yourself.
This is everyone's first time being away from home. Everyone is trying to figure out who they are. Who you are freshman year may not be the person you are accepting that diploma—and that's okay. In the mean time, don't be scared to be authentically and unapologetically the person God made you to be. College flies by. There's not enough time to be someone you're not. Be you and stay true to your roots. You'll be grateful you did.
2. Remember your why.
What brought you here in the first place? What do you want to accomplish? Why are you here? Regularly remind yourself of why you're here to keep yourself grounded, focused, and driven. Remembering your why keeps you motivated among the trials, hardships, and rejections. And trust me, after several back-to-back late night study sessions, you're going to need to remember your why.
3. Keep faith at the center of it all.
It goes without saying this should be #1. Between classes, extracurriculars, friendships, relationships, and everything else, sometimes faith finds itself in a passenger position, but we know that's the fastest route to failure. Your faith should be the driver, helping you navigate all of college's quirky moments. Start each day in the Word, and never lose sight of the Creator. When God's involved, we know the battle has already been won.
4. Have fun.
I can't emphasize this enough: college goes by so fast. You blink and its over. Between studying for classes and applying for internships, remember to have fun. Join that sorority or frat. Try out for Step Sing. Run for student government. Start a hacky sack league on the campus green. Make it your mission to try every potential tray combo at Cook Out.
Enjoy this weird in-between moment of life. It doesn't last.
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