College is an amazing, yet terrifying, thing. As high school seniors, we look forward to graduating and “becoming adults already”. What we don’t know is that college is a whole new ball game and we can often get lost in the transition from high school to college. Quite honestly, as a 5th year jerezana, there’s a few things that I wish I had known as a freshman. What’s amazing is that I’m not alone on this discovery. A few of my fellow collegiettes wish they could go back and speak to their younger selves and leave them with some words of wisdom.
Freshmen, pay attention:
Put yourself first.
Our campus is huge and full of opportunities. It’s easy to get lost in all of the chaos (literally, have you seen the size of our campus!?). Lizbeth Hernández, a Senior, wishes she could go back and prioritize the most important thing: herself. “This time is about your career, your plans, your goals, your grades and the overall experience of making the most of your college experience. It’s important to be focused even when times are hard and to not lose sight of your goals at any moment. Everything else that’s not about your personal and academic growth can wait. It took me a while to understand this because I was invested in other people, when I should have been working on myself. You are your most important project to work with. Work hard and make yourself proud. You’ll see the outcome of your effort.”
Nobody is going to do your work for you.
Some of us are very “independent” during our high school years. But, if we’re honest, our parents and/or family members helped us out a lot of the time when we were going through tough situations. Your parents are not the ones that have to fight for a class, talk to a professor because of an incorrect grade or talk your way into someone saving you a parking spot at Sociales.
Take advantage of student organizations.
For most of us, college is a 4 year deal. And trust us, it goes by flying and you have to enjoy it while it lasts. So when we say “take advantage”, we really mean it.Luckily, there’s hundreds (literally) of student organizations on campus so make sure you join at least one!
It’s okay to let go of toxic things.
As humans, we don’t like to be alone. We can be guilty of hanging around a lot of people and then later finding out they weren’t right. Some people are toxic for you and it’s important you find that out sooner rather than later. “You can’t hold on to people that are constantly putting you down. You get the opportunity to start over. Use it to meet amazing people that will be with you even in the darkest times. Surround yourself with individuals who not only share the same interests with you, but also make you want to become a better person by just being around them.” Nahir Robles, a fellow collegiette, recommends to all of you.
Things don’t always go according to plan.
When we start our college careers, it’s normal that we have everything planned. Unfortunately, plans might derail throughout the years. “If you get an F, get over it.” Alejandra Beatón, Senior, advises. Things might happen and classes don’t go well but it’s important to remember that you have a second chance, so make it count. Don’t rush the experience.
“You’re not gonna finish in four years and it’s okay,” Omar Negrón, a Junior, speaks the truth. Take advantage of all the opportunities college has to offer. Organize yourself: plan for an internship, a class outside your major, a study abroad program and make the most of your time at university because remember you can only move forward in life.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Sometimes as freshmen, and even as regular people, we limit ourselves from experiencing new things just because we have never tried them or because they’re unknown. Go out. Try a new class. Do stuff you’ve never done before, especially because you definitely don’t want to look back on your college years and regret that you never did X thing. GET OUT THERE!
As I look back on the five years I’ve spent on this campus, I don’t regret them. However, I do wish I knew all of these things because it would have saved me a lot of frustrations and mistakes along the way. But, you know what they say: everybody makes mistakes. And we have all certainly had those days. Freshmen, learn from us but remember to enjoy college your way.