I can’t believe that I’m even saying this, but it’s finally here—I’m officially a bonafide senior. The three years I’ve had on this hill have been filled with laughter, tears, learning experiences, valuable friendships and an ungodly amount of Papa John’s pizza. I know this year will bring more of the same challenges and inevitable failures, but I’m also eager to see what my small victories and larger triumphs will be. Looking back, there are so many things I am proud of, but there are an equal number of things I wish I could do over. Although I try my best to live my life focusing on my future rather than dwelling on the past, it’s always nice to reflect a little bit.
As such, I’ve compiled a list of things that I wish I had known as a freshman. Although I can’t change my experiences, perhaps my thoughts will inspire someone else to really think about how they will lead the rest of their college career.
1. Freshman year is the honeymoon phase.
No, but seriously. Sure, you arrive on campus and everything is new and a little intimidating. You get through awkward orientation events and hall bonding activities. But once you find your niche—whether that be a great group of friends or the perfect club or even that one class you never thought you’d take but end up loving—everything will seem to fall into place. At least, that’s how it was for me. So, enjoy it. Take it all in. Take the time to go to the Kokosing or biking on the gap trail, dress up and go out to that Old K basement party. Read on Ransom lawn. Just do something and enjoy it. Because trust me when I tell you, the sophomore slump is real, and your classes will not be getting any easier.
2. It’s not end-all-be-all.
The classes you take in the first or even second semester of your freshman year are not going to determine the trajectory of your college career. I changed my major three times until I settled on neuroscience. To this day, people still think I’m a bio major. If you missed out on a club, join next semester. Didn’t get with that one especially cute person? Other opportunities will come along. One of the greatest parts about college—you get to reinvent yourself as much as you want. This is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
3. You’ll make friends, and you’ll lose some.
I really can’t stress this enough. My high school was small enough that I was friends—or at least friendly—with everyone. I never found myself in a situation where I had to end a close friendship on bad terms. But, it happens. And it did. What’s important to remember is that life goes on. You’ll make new friends. Sure, there may be some awkward run-ins at Peirce or on middle path, but enough time will pass where it won’t be such a big deal anymore. Search and stick with the friends that make you happy, and soon enough you’ll be able to distinguish the real ones from the temporary ones.
4. Know your resources.
For a small liberal arts school, Kenyon has got some amazing opportunities for its students! I’m not just talking about extracurricular activities; this place has pretty much everything you need in walking distance. Sick? Stop by the Health Center. Need Counseling? Talk to your PCs. Need advice on your future career? The CDO will help you build your resume, find internships and apply to graduate schools. Want funding to order pizza and watch a movie with your peers? Apply to Fun Funds. Want to take music lessons but can’t afford it? Apply to Student Success Funds. All in all—do your research. Ask around. More often than not, there will be something out there to help you out.
5. Get involved—but only if you want to.
Honestly, you wouldn’t believe how many clubs I’ve signed up for and at most attended one or two meetings. My advice: join as many dis-lists as you want, but when you find those clubs or organizations that really appeal to you, give it your all! Participate, offer new ideas, volunteer to help when they need it, you name it. Not only is it a great way to beef up your resume, but it also helps you make friends and gain respect.
6. Do something that scares you.
For me, this was asking one of my psychology professors if I could do research in her lab…with rats. Anyone who knows me would agree that I’m not necessarily an animal person. Not only was the prospect of working with lab rats intimidating, I had also never done scientific research beforehand. However, I knew that participating in research would be a great learning experience and a solid way to ensure that medical school was the right track for me. So, I built up the courage to approach my professor and a few semesters later, here I am able to walk into my lab, completely un-phased by the cages of rats surrounding me.
7. Get off this hill.
Although there are many programs and events offered on campus, it’s nice to get a break from it all every once in a while. If you have a car (or friends who have one…) take a mini road trip to Columbus. As a Columbus native, I highly recommend Easton Town Center and the Columbus Zoo. If you don’t, take the shuttle to Mt. Vernon and plan a study date at Panera, go on a Wal-Mart run or check out Build-a-Biscuit. And don’t forget, there are a bunch of Kenyon programs that’ll take you off-campus. My personal favorite is the REACH trip to Cedar Point during October Break.
8. Go to office hours.
Something that I’ve come to realize in the past year is that one of Kenyon’s greatest charms is its faculty. In my opinion, the professors here are probably the most interesting, best advice giving and most involved individuals you will encounter here. So, take advantage of their time. Go to office hours when you’re confused or stressed. Not only will it help you do better in the class, but you may also receive some valuable life lessons! Or, at the very least, you’ll get a good 20 minutes petting their dog as a nice stress relief.
9. Get some sleep.
I know it’s tempting to pull an all-nighter in Olin the night before that 20-page paper is due or to fall asleep in Hayes the night before a big exam. I realize that you’ve probably heard this before, but it’s really not worth it. In fact, I’ve heard that sleep helps you retain the information better, so it’s actually a more effective use of your time. Not to mention, it’ll make you less crabby the next day.
10. Learn more and complain less.
In all honesty, I’m still working on this one. It’s so easy to whine about whatever problems you may encounter, whether that be the long lines at Peirce or the construction on middle path. Keep in mind, we’re pretty lucky to be here. I bet there are millions of people that would kill to be in your shoes right now. So, my final piece of advice—take your classes seriously, have some fun, learn as much as you can and most of all, enjoy the view.
Here’s to you, First-Years, and to your next four years on this hill. Enjoy.
Image credits: Kenyon College