#FreshmanProblems: As Told By Brooklyn

From my freshman experience this past semester, I have concluded that freshman year is an unexpected rollercoaster ride of school, parties, emotions, and, most of all, stress. I typically find myself completely confused and constantly overwhelmed. I have come to terms with the fact that some of the freshman boys are just complicated. Those awkward run-ins at the Pit, bumping into each other on our way to class, and uncomfortable eye contact in line at Starbucks. My only thought is, “Please, stop being everywhere!”

I have also accepted that, sometimes, schoolwork and tests will unapologetically knock you down with no sympathy. While some of this year has caused a good amount of amount of tears for this girl, I have found a group of ladies who should be hired on knowing how to turn every frown upside down. Although I may be unsure about some things, I have come to the conclusion that my first semester of freshman year has come and gone in stages. To comfort those other lost freshman girls out there, and maybe bring back some nostalgia for upperclassmen who have conquered this confusing time, I share my stages with you all.

Stage One: Picking Yourself Back Up

This has been a tough and adventurous journey… I liken it to riding a rollercoaster,  oblivious to the twists and turns to come, simply strapped in for the ride. But this semester has caused me to learn so much about who I am as a growing adult. In these moments where my first semester as a college student has knocked me down, (crying over a boy and not having my home to comfort me) I continue to remind myself that, “I am okay and doing just fine.” Most of these moments, of course, have been the most awkward scenarios due to my never ending fate as a clumsy human being – but, I couldn’t help but think that these moments are somehow life lessons that could apply to more than just me…

Stage Two: The Inevitable Boy Drama

So, maybe this isn’t just a stage, but a continuous problem in a college girl’s life. I wondered if approaching him in person would be the best scenario…I planned the moment over and over again in my head. I always thought that if I saw him walking, or heaven forbid, he was actually coming toward me, I would be confident, fabulous and in full control. Unfortunately, no amount of planning for this moment could have prepared me. I unexpectedly saw him and said absolutely nothing, pathetically, I looked at the floor and did nothing close to what I had imagined. Frustrating is an understatement. As I continued walking forward, I sighed loudly and was annoyed with my inability to follow the plan. I kept thinking, “Why couldn’t I just do exactly what I had planned in my head?!” I wondered, then, if any plan I had formulated about boys was ever completely followed. I have since come to the conclusion that, probably, no plan ever will be. Boys will forever remain confusing and overwhelming, making any preparation practically futile. I realized then that life is defined by its unexpected moments, and one’s ability to adapt is how we can brighten those dark days. 

Stage Three: Finding Your Support System

I wasn’t feeling like myself. I was attached and not my usual independent self. I had always defined myself as an independent New Yorker, but, lately, I had not been acting the part. I thought, “Put yourself together…it’s just one boy!” As I spent this past weekend uncontrollably laughing and making tangible memories with a group of girlfriends, I realized how completely lucky I am to have found these girls. I realized how much I need this strong, silly, and slightly dysfunctional group of friends to distract my mind from all of the things that can trouble my soul. These girls are my support system, and with a little help from Pitbull and Ke$ha, we can blare “Timber” and laugh our troubles away – then I begin to feel like myself again.

Class of 2017, I want to share with all of you that each moment we are lost and speeding downward on this uncontrollable roller coaster we call life, we should define ourselves by our adaptability and the people who love us. Freshman year, without a doubt, is a year of transition filled with mistakes and funny memories…but, it will soon pass, and we will move on to more stages. I urge you then, to appreciate each moment, both bad and good, because who knows what will happen when we are all sophomores…(fingers crossed we survive this crazy year!)

Xoxo,

Brooklyn