Open Letter to my Freshman Year Self

Dear Freshman Year Me, 

Since you are entering your first year of college and moving two hours away from your family, there is new sense of freedom and adventure waiting for you. College might seem like an unknown commodity that is hard to navigate. It is time to study a topic you have been waiting for years to focus on.

Even though you are not nearly as involved as you were in high school, seek out an organization to give yourself some structure. It is culture shock when you go from being super busy with extracurriculars to starting over again. It is not too late to switch to a history class that will actually interest you instead of your current one that you selected due to lack of knowledge of class sections. Seek out tutoring for physics since you have never taken it in such a fast-paced setting. Make sure to study for your tests because they are a lot harder than the ones in high school. Figure out how to work d2l and get a planner or post-it notes to stay organized. Seek out a professor or upperclassmen as your mentor. They will assist you through your freshman year. Building this sort of bond early on will really be an asset. Start figuring out how to manage your time or else finals will hit you like a wall!

Bring a water bottle for your backpack because it will save you a lot of flex money that you can use on Starbucks or Chick-fil-A. Do not spend too much time on boys that will give you unnecessary stress. Never settle for anything less than you deserve! Call your parents because they worry about you. This college thing is an adjustment for them too. It is okay if you’re a broke college student, but try to find a part-time job or work study so you can save for the trips that you want to go on, and be semi-financially independent from your parents. 

One of the most important things to think about is to have fun and explore! There are so many new adventures in front of you and you will become the accomplished, successful woman that you desire to be. While your grades are important, make sure you find a balance between studying and all of the amazing experiences that college has to offer. Take every day with stride and take up a hobby. Take advantage of everything that you have at your fingertips. Do not be afraid to go to new events and enjoy it while you still can with your free time. You will have a successful freshman year and an awesome four years ahead of you.