- Growing, and growing up, happens within many small moments, not a single big one.
When I started at Conn, I didn’t have this big revelation. I didn’t have this sudden moment of figuring everything out perfectly. I was confused, unsure, sad, even uncomfortable at times, and the growing happened in all of those moments. On the same note, it’s ok to feel sad about your high school years (and childhood) slipping away. This year, within all its good(and I say this having had the best year at Conn so far) has come with some heartbreaking moments. I lost my childhood dog, my dad had a pretty serious health scare and resulting major surgery, and I am soon starting my first big summer internship and will be away from home for much of the summer. But you have to trust that whatever comes next will bring even more good. That’s what I’m trying to focus on as I quickly approach my senior year.
- It’s okay to go in undecided, you don’t have to have it all figured out by the time you start.
The beauty of a liberal arts school is that it gives you that first year to really explore your interests without having to commit to a certain path right away. I didn’t declare my American Studies major until the end of sophomore year fall. I even added a minor at the end of junior year fall. For any incoming freshman reading this, don’t worry, there’s time.
- It’s ok if you don’t find strong friends at first.
I moved into my freshman year dorm and didn’t connect with any of my roommates. We still lived together well, but didn’t feel a strong connection towards either of them. I also took a while to find girls who I felt bonded to, and that didn’t begin to happen until the end of sophomore year. Trust that everything will come with time.
- Your professors are there for you(no, like actually).
I remember feeling so intimidated by one professor I had freshman year the first night sitting in his class. But then I started to struggle in the class, and I thought I should go to office hours for the first time. And he was pretty understanding! You have to realize that most professors are not as scary as they may seem, and are truly there to help you! Just drop in, even if you just want to chat about the class in general, that’s what they’re there for!