For some of us here at HC Pitt, our college careers are drawing to an end. We’re super excited and totally freaked out. In one word? It’s bittersweet. Everyone we talk to asks us what’s next, and while we’re looking forward to new challenges and opportunities, we all wanted to take a step back and reflect on the past four years. Whether you’re counting down the days until you start college or you’re curled up somewhere studying and wondering if the degree is even worth the stress, we hope some of this advice sticks with you.
“Your freshman year roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend.” – Kate
“The days are long, but the years are short. Don’t wish time away, because before you know it, you’ll be graduating, moving away, losing touch with friends and everything else that comes with moving on. Treasure the time you have with the people you care about!” – Jess
“Enjoy being in class and learning new things. Education is very special. The long hours in the library will pay off! Also, one of the best things I have learned at university was out of the classroom: listen to your brain, not your heart. Stand up for what you believe and need.” – Haley
“Join as many clubs as early in your college years as possible. Take advantage of the opportunity to decide which clubs and organizations you like the best so that later on you can increase your involvement and really make your mark.
Try new things and step out of your comfort zone. One of the best things about college is the exposure you get to new ideas, beliefs and experiences. Don’t be afraid to try something you never thought you would do.
Utilize the career center. They’re a great resource.
Have fun! Don’t be afraid to step away from studying and have some fun. You will miss the fun times once you graduate.” – Dominique
“There will always be people who challenge you, for better or worse. Always remember to be kind, but stand your ground and stay true to who you are. Who you are as a freshman or who you were in high school does not define who you will be. Take college as a chance to improve yourself mentally, physically and socially. This is the time to reinvent yourself and become the person your childhood self would be proud of.” – Kate
“Freshman year is hard. No one talks about it and there’s sort of this heavy expectation for you to be having the best time of your life. But, after reflecting with other friends as upperclassmen, it’s really lonely and a tough adjustment for a lot of people. You are NOT alone in that and it’s okay to not find your best friends right away. Those friendships will come with time and it does get easier as college goes on—I promise.
Cherish college while you can. Never again will you be right down the hall or street from your best friends and surrounded by so many people your age. Savor the ability to stay up late and take naps in between class because you’ll miss it so much when you start working 9-5.
Join student orgs! Being involved in clubs like Her Campus from my freshman year are what got me my first internships, which is how I got my job! I actually talked about student org involvement more in interviews that my internship experience. Plus, student orgs provide amazing networking opportunities and opportunities for new friendships with people who share common interests with you.” – Kelly
“You will meet your people.
Everyone is always going to ask you what you’re going to do with the rest of your life and it is genuinely okay to have no clue.
Change your mind. Change it again. You don’t have to be stuck because of a decision you made.
It’s so hard to be far away from your family sometimes, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on so many important moments with them. They are proud of you and home is always a phone call away.
Find a quiet space where you can take a few breaths if you need to.
You don’t have to check all the boxes. Join the organization you’re interested in, even if it has nothing to do with your major. You might just meet your best friends (I did).
There are going to be highs and lows. Learn from the lows and celebrate the highs.
Take as many pictures as possible. The times goes by so quickly, and you’re going to want to look back at all the amazing things that you’ve done.” – Mariah
“Take a deep breath, then begin.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Trust your body and stand by your limits.
There’s a cheap way to do things and an inexpensive way to do things, and yes, there’s a difference.
If a professor says “This is what they expect in the real world,” 7 out of 10 times they’re lying.
Never settle; never settle in all things because you are worth the effort, the time, the love and the failure. You are worth it.” – Caroline
And yes… it was all worth it.
Photos: cover