Dear Annie,
There are many ups and downs in college, and I already feel like I’ve lived a lifetime since I started UIUC over two years ago. I know you always followed in my footsteps because I went through phases of life first, but navigating college for the first time was my hardest experience to go through without you. Now that you’re also in college and having different life experiences than I am, I have some words of wisdom for you that I hope you’ll take to heart.
My biggest piece of advice for you is surround yourself with people that uplift you and give you energy, not drain it. Freshman year is about socializing and finding people that you might spend the rest of your college life with, but that’s not always the case. As someone who had a group of people that drained my energy and made me struggle with confidence my first year, I know a lot about the importance of who you let in your life. It can be hard to find people once they’ve found their group, but I was able to find a friend group my junior year who have made my experience at UIUC so much better. You’re an amazing person and friend, so I know that you will find your people during college.
Another very important point: GO TO CLASS!!! Once you skip one, it becomes a habit, as I’ve painfully learned. You’re paying to learn, so you should actually be learning and trying to focus on school. It’s okay to have off-days and want to stay inside or sleep in, you just have to make sure that you don’t fall behind or lose your motivation. I know you’ve always struggled with enjoying school, but I’ve watched how much you’ve grown since you’ve changed your major to something you have loved since you were little.
Speaking of going to class, make sure you use the resources provided at your school. I know you look forward to going home after a long day, or even staying inside if you have a day off, but there is so much your school has to offer. All of the libraries are very helpful for studying or doing work, and I’ve found it helps more than studying in my room. There are so many school events that you could try out too; UIUC has Quad Day, pop-up tables near the Union, and football and basketball games or watch parties. I just want you to enjoy being in college, not just studying and stressing about grades.Â
There is so much more I wish I could tell you, but most of it you already know. As you know, I struggled a lot my freshman year and only until later in my sophomore year did I feel like I found my place at UIUC. I hope that you have more luck than I did those two years, and I want you to enjoy your independence for the first time. And remember: you can call me anytime and I will always be there to help.
I love you so much,
Your big sister
