Freshman Year. Two words, eight months, and an experience that only happens once in a lifetime. There’s no better time to be involved, meet people, and become the person you’ve always wanted. Why let it pass you by? Since I’m still living this incredible year and taking it in one day at a time, here are five main “blurbs of wisdom” I offer to myself, and all other freshman girls at Bucknell and beyond, from what I’ve learned on campus so far.
1.) Work hard, play hard. Yes, it’s cliché, and yes, most would agree that it’s the motto that Bucknell students live by, but it’s so true. Keeping on top of schoolwork should be (and idealistically is) the main priority of all college students. Since every college student is paying for their education in some way, there’s no reason to waste that money by skipping class, not completing homework, or being ill-prepared for a test because you partied too hard the night before. Which brings me to my next point: I am an advocate for having fun and going out on the weekends for both stress relief and socialization, but balancing it all is absolutely necessary since we’re all here for a college education, not a college education in Partying 101.
2.) Be confident when it comes to guys. I mean this in two ways. If there’s a guy that you don’t know but are scared to talk to, strike a conversation with him anyway! You have nothing to lose since you don’t know him and weren’t acquainted with him prior to college, and also who knows where a simple comment or question could lead. Now’s the time to put yourself out there and talk to whatever guy you want…you won’t be able to do that when you’re married! Also, I mean “be confident when it comes to guys” in a more serious sense. If you go out to a frat-or anywhere for that matter-and a guy starts touching you inappropriately or makes you feel uncomfortable, speak up. There’s nothing worse than being afraid to stand up to a guy who could possibly involve you in a sexual assault. Voice your concerns then walk away; keeping silent is not worth the harm that could possibly come out of this type of situation.
3.) Involve yourself, but not too heavily. Also, college is the time to really discover your true passions and interests; find clubs or activities that match these aspects and devote your time to them. Stepping outside of your comfort zone to join an organization where people are just as passionate about something as you are will not only make you happy and allow you to meet people with common interests as you, but it will also help you learn to prioritize, organize your schedule each day, and learn a lesson in time management, all valuable life skills for adulthood.
4.) Meet as many people as you can; don’t be afraid to branch out. Obviously, most people are apprehensive freshman year since it’s our first real time away from home and away from the friends we’ve come to know so well throughout our grade-school years. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to remain introverted at college, a place all freshmen are looking to make new friends each and every day. That girl sitting next to you in Spanish class with the cool bracelet? Compliment her on it and strike up a conversation. Your neighbor on your freshman hall? Knock on their door every once in a while to see how their classes are going. Making an effort to put yourself out there will go a long way, and you never know where true friendships hide, waiting to be uncovered by a simple act of kindness.
5.) ALWAYS put yourself first. Probably my biggest piece of advice on this list, this is something that I’m still struggling with but am fully realizing why it’s important. If you’re not happy, well-rested, or mentally prepared each day, college will seem more like a foggy cloud than an enjoyable experience. So, this is what I encourage all of you to do a lot of: Sleep. Eat healthy. Go to the gym. Paint your nails. Read a good book. But most importantly, don’t over-stress yourself. Enjoy your time at college and learn how to cope with your day-to-day stress using the simple tricks listed above. It won’t just benefit you short-term, but will help you to become a happier person in general.
From being at Bucknell for only a semester and a month, these are the most valuable pieces of advice that I’ve gathered so far. Let me know what your best “what I would tell my freshman self” pieces of advice are! I’d love to hear your feedback. Hopefully, you take this advice and run with it; use it every day, and happiness is 100% guaranteed.