To whom it may concern,
So you’ve made it through high school, which according to most adults is the best time of your life. Well, I beg to differ. College is going to be so much better, whether you’re looking for a fresh start or simply looking to better the current version of yourself. This is a time to explore the possibilities that life has to offer, find out who you want to be, and of course, make mistakes. The lessons to be learned in college go far beyond the classroom doors. As I’m starting my senior year (I know, crazy right?), I’m reflecting on all my experiences and I feel such a sense of joy. Don’t get me wrong, I have made a fool of myself many times, but I’ve also made countless awesome memories in a just few short years. So as you begin your journey, and let me assure you it is a twisting, winding journey full of sharp turns, road blocks and detours, hopefully the lessons I’ve learned will make your road ahead a bit smoother. Here’s what I know:
Your plan is crap. That sounds harsh but I mean this in the most loving way possible. Take it from someone who has had her career picked out since she was 8 years-old: College makes you rethink everything. For me, fashion was always where I wanted to be. At first it was design, but then I realized my sketches looked more like those of a tipsy game of Pictionary. So it was time to reconsider. Even after deciding on fashion merchandising and marketing, it still wasn’t smooth sailing. My original plan was NYC and NYC only, but here I am three schools later, at Kent State University. Third time’s the charm right? I’m living proof of that, because I’ve never been happier.
Your best friend freshman year (probably) won’t be your best friend at graduation. Now, I say probably because there is that rare chance that you’ll find your maid-of-honor in your roommate or the girl down the hall. For most of us though, when the excitement of the first semester wears off and people start to find their niches in student organizations and/or Greek life, communication gets lost and friendships start to fade. Don’t dwell on making every single friendship last until graduation because some people are only meant to come into your life for a short time. College is great because you may not be best friends with everyone, but when find those rare, true friends, know that they will be life-long.
This is 2016. The MRS degree is sooo 60 years ago. College is the opportunity to find yourself, not a boyfriend. By all means, if you meet someone that is supportive, thoughtful, fun to be around, or whatever your list may be (because we all know we’ve got one) then go for it! Just make sure you aren’t focusing on that relationship and neglecting your relationship with yourself. Travel to new places, take a challenging class, meet new friends, etc. Now is the chance to be selfish and put your dreams first. Work towards the future, but live for the moment.
Don’t lose who you are while becoming who you want to be. There’ll be Saturday nights when everyone else is going out and you’d rather stay in and binge watch the latest season of “How to Get Away with Murder.” Know that’s totally okay. There’ll also be times when someone’s political or religious views differ from yours. That’s the beauty of America, and it’s completely fine to agree to disagree. It’s easy to give in to what everyone else is doing or thinking for fear of being “different,” but let me tell you; being different and knowing who you are and where you come from is your secret weapon in life. Your uniqueness will set you apart and give you a viewpoint that no one else has. Be accepting, but stand your ground. You believe what you believe for a reason.
Pop your comfort zone bubble. Do it now. If you don’t get out of your comfort zone, I promise you will miss out on some pretty awesome opportunities. So try out for the team, run for the executive board position, talk to the cute guy sitting next to you in class and order the food with the weird name. You’ll never regret trying something new, but you will regret having to tell your grandkids you chickened out. Life will open up for you when you open your mind to new things!
If you get nothing else out of this letter, remember this: life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock. Okay, so I’m quoting Hannah Montana, but who doesn’t love that song? College only lasts so long, but the memories you will make last forever. So go out and make some great ones!
Welcome to Kent State University, collegiettes.
Sincerly Yours,
An Experienced Collegiette