5 Things I Would Tell My Freshman Self
by Sueños on 03/20/17
Freshman year of college is associated with many growing pains. It's likey your first time on your own, and you likely have to make a whole new set of friends. On top of that, no one is around to actually make you go to class. Six months ago you had to ask to use the restroom, now you're expected to do pick up after yourself, maintain your grades, and somehow remain half sane during finals. It's not easy for anyone, but I hope these are things that can help you.
Stop Worrying About What Other People Think of You
If you were anything like my in high school, you spent the large majority of the time looking over your shoulder to make sure no one thought you were weird. The only thing that ever did for me, was keep me from doing things that I enjoy. If I'm paying to be somewhere, the least I could do is have a good time of it. So, gather your dorm mates, wear onesies to the first day of class, run a pizza shop from your dorm room, be zany, and have fun.
You Learn Twice as Much if You Listen and Three Times as Much if You Ask Questions
This philosophy is as applicable to meeting new people, as it is to sitting in lectures. You're paying a lot of money to sit in those chairs, and you deserve to get your money's worth. I know sometimes it can be embarrassing, especially when a question seems incredibly simple, but I would refer you to our first topic if you feel embarrassed. Like I said this tip isn't just about doing well in class, it's also great for just trying to get to know people. I've found I learn much more, if I'm willing to listen to the things other people are passionate about. Attentive listening will get you far in life, and there's no better time to start developing it.
Learn How to Cook and Take a P.E. Elective
Now I understand sometimes freshman dorms don't have kitchens, and sometimes schools make meal plans mandatory. However, if you have the chance, don't back away from it. You can save yourself a ton of money, and avoid the dreaded freshman 15. It's important to start establishing your eating habits as soon as possible, and now you have the space to do it. If you find yourself going out for food every other night in college, it definitely won't stop when you graduate. Now, I know the second part of this sounds like a tough sell, but there are a million amazing options for getting active in college. I took sailing and yoga, and there was no mention of a pacer test. It should be no surprise that doing things that are good for you make you feel, well, good.
Never be Afraid to Introduce Yourself
This can perhaps be the most daunting of all, but what I've learned from my college experience is that you can never have too many friends. Even if it's just people who politely smile and wave at you in the hall, sometimes that can be the little lift you need before a huge exam. A good social foundation is critical to counteract the intense amount of studying you're doing. It's the balance of the two that makes college an incredible time.
Learn How to Say No
I still struggle with this. Who wants to stay home and read about molecular biology, when you could be out doing literally anything else? It's okay to say no to your friends, even though it seems hard. However, like I mentioned above, it's the balance between work and play that makes school fun. After you've gotten that A, you have every right to reward yourself with a beer and some Netflix. However, with no work, it can turn into self-indulgence really fast. Remember why you went to college in the first place, to study something you truly love.
I say these things, because I made every one of these mistakes my Freshman year. I was shy, fiercely opinionated, self-indulging, and unhealthy. I made fine grades, but I surely wasn't having the college experience I wanted. I guess I could boil all this down to, be open, stay healthy, remember why you're there, and have fun.
This is a guest post by one of our coaches Diego-Andreas. If you like this post, and want to see more like it, check out his blog at www.wonderingintomyself.com
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