10 Things I Wish I Knew as a College Freshman
It's okay… This is one of the biggest times of transition in your whole life. If you need to take a minute and cry it out or call your mom then do it. Everyone is in the same boat as you.
You’re not alone.. All types of people come to college. All types of people are going through varying emotions. There's the girls that are sob status and there’s the girls who are praising the lord for a new start.
Friends will come to you.. This goes along with the one above. Everyone is seeking out friends. Do NOT spend your time freaked out wondering if you will find friends because everyone can relate to you. Of course still be kind and seek out friendships but know you will find your people.
Be confident.. I am obsessed with this one. I think the way to make friends and adjust better is to be confident. Imagine moving to a new town and never reaching out to anyone or doing anything, you’re only hurting yourself. Being confident means doing things you may not want to do but going and being fearless.
Have fun.. You are living by yourself for the first time ever. No more curfews or rules imposed by parents. Take advantage of this and go to your bestie's room down the hall at midnight! You are totally in control of yourself and it's awesome!
Stay True to yourself.. Going along with the one above, know what this weight means. Being in charge of yourself can mean going off the rails which is not what I’m saying to do. Stay true to your morals and the girl you want to be.
Treat others the way you want to be treated… So simple yet profound. Be a NICE girl not a MEAN girl.
Meet your teachers.. This was something my older sister told me and I literally laughed in her face. I thought I would never meet my teachers. I imagine these huge 300 people lectures(which will happen) but after freshman year. Your classes feel like high school and can have closer to 30 people in them. It is so beneficial to be friends with the people who will be writing grad school/job recommendations.
Communicate well.. This applies to a lot of aspects of freshman year. First off is with your family. Communicate you love and miss them and don't be afraid to ask them to come up and spend time with you. Also with friends. The girls you will meet freshman year will be some of your bestfriends so be honest with them about how you feel.
Give yourself grace.. This one is my favorite. You have never been through something like this before. Give yourself grace. Know that you are doing great and you are so loved. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the Plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future”. The lord will never lead you astray and neither will your Chi Omega sisters.
Avery Vandermeeden PC 22