Dear Freshman Year,
It’s hard to believe that our time together is coming to an end. You taught me a long list of lessons through many experiences, and now I am ready to go our separate ways.
I started off the school year with so much excitement. I was set off in the world to do my own thing, figure out what I want in life and live with the most independence I have ever had. This was the moment I was waiting for throughout high school, and it was finally here. From all of the articles I read and what my older friends said, I was expecting to feel homesick. When this didn’t happen, I was wondering if I was doing something wrong. It’s not that I did not miss my family and friends, but rather I kept strong communication with them. From this I gathered that I shouldn’t feel bad because I felt more excited and anxious than homesick.
I met some amazing people through the Facebook group, open house and orientation, and during the first few weeks of school, I invested considerable amounts of time in building these relationships. Over the course of fall semester, I built strong relationships with some of these people, while other relationships fizzled out. And I’m okay with this. The people freshman hang out with during the beginning of school do not define people, and it took me a few months to find my ideal group of friends. I learned that I wanted to surround myself with people that made me happy, and I wish the best to the friends that went separate ways.
You were filled with an endless amount of opportunities, and, admittedly, some were better than others. From my own experiences, those of my friends and those that I have heard about from others, I have learned that college freshmen don’t have to do anything they are not comfortable with. The nights I had too much homework to do, I chose to stay in to finish my work. This took time to figure out, but now I know that I should do what is better for my schoolwork because I can always make time for my friends between classes and work.
I’m not going to lie; you were tedious at some points. Reflecting back on my past year, I would advise rising freshmen to take time to explore their city, find people you click with and take your vitamins.
It was real, freshman year. See ya!
With love,
Emily