As I write this, I’m sitting on my little twin bed in my Sasnett dorm room looking around at my room for an idea on what to write about. But then it hits me that I only have a short time left in my Freshman year. I think I speak for every freshman when I say this year flew by quicker than I ever imagined, but it just makes me so excited for the three years I have ahead. I have had the best experiences this year and for that, I am beyond grateful. It feels like just yesterday my best friend and I were making a hundred trips from the cars into our new home, with arms full of everything we could fit into our little dorm (s/o #sasnett101).
But along with that we unloaded the anticipation, excitement, and sadness to be venturing into the unknown world of college. The first couple weeks of first semester living in such a tiny, cramped room with global suitemates was strange and took a whole of getting used to. There were some interesting cases we dealt with from having those suitemates. For example, our room being flooded at 11 o’clock at night and them denying they left the shower on facing the toilet or the time that they lit up our bathroom with cigarettes and it smelled like a smoking lounge; but we made it through! I am especially thankful for that little room though, because I met some of my lifelong friends there.
First semester was a challenge filled with big life changes, sadness, anger, stress, and a whole lotta happiness. I wouldn’t change it for the world though! Coming into second semester I felt more prepared and ready to work hard. I ended up meeting some super cool people through classes and started dating someone even cooler. It has been a semester full of ups and downs but it’s been pretty rockin to say the least. For those of you that may be approaching your college life, take these tips of advice and realize you’re about to enter the best years of your life.
1. You will fail, and that’s okay!
In high school, I didn’t face too much rejection (math and physics ALWAYS brought me down though!). I usually had pretty good grades and if I decided to go after something I usually got it. That did not really happen for me in college. I faced more rejection this year than I have ever before, and at first it was very hard to get over. I failed quizzes and tests I thought I had studied hard enough for but sometimes I was wrong. But all of that rejection showed me that even when things seem hopeless life goes on and you will move on. As it turns out, that rejection only made me stronger and pushed me to better myself as much as possible.
2. You’ll Also Succeed Though!
Despite the inevitable rejections, there will be numerous successes to go along with them! You will find what you’re super passionate about, and you should always pursue those things. It may seem scary to push yourself out of your comfort zone, but the more things you try the better your chances for a success. And the more opportunities you open yourself up to!
3. You will be sick ALL of the time and need to prioritize your health
Both your mental and physical health are tested in college. Your environment is different and your body has to adjust to it. Being constantly surrounded by people (and their germs), along with not getting enough sleep, eating differently and drinking more, your body is bound to respond with sickness. I was sick more times than I wasn’t sick during this first year and spent a lot of time at the MedClinic and even the ER. I learned that I really had to focus on taking care of myself; eating right, getting enough sleep, taking vitamins, drinking water, washing my hands, etc.
4. Not Everyone is Meant to be a Forever Friend
You’re going to meet so many new people the first few months of school it will be completely overwhelming. Often these initial friends won’t be the same ones you have at the end of the year, but some of them will! Two of the first girls I met are now my absolute girls and we’re even living together next year & I love them w/ all my <3! If you find yourself hurt over distancing from some of these first friends, don’t take it too personally. My friendships were constantly changing; I would be really close to a group people for a few months, but then we all would grow apart and I would become really close to another group of people. But, always make every effort to make new friends and don’t be intimidated; everyone is just as nervous as you are.
5. Going home is weird
Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, we’re super close, and I do really look forward to going home and spending time with them. But, being home is weird. Really weird. When you go to college you leave and move on to a whole new life in a whole new place, but everything at home is still exactly the same. I’ll drive down the roads that I used to drive down every day or go to the same restaurants I went to every weekend, but I am so different. Sometimes, I feel that even my relationship with my family has changed. I can’t exactly pin-point the feeling, but since I am independent at school, going home makes me like a guest in my own house. I have a whole other life hundreds of miles away, so going back to my “other life” feels like stepping in a time machine.
Freshman year has taught me so many things and I am forever thankful for the opportunities it has provided me. I have met my best friends and have learned so many new things. I am so excited to see what the next three years has in store for me. Spread good vibes & war eagle!!