A Guide to Growing Up

The high school hallways I was familiar with, soon vanished from my memories and were replaced with new classrooms and various buildings. My childhood room filled to the brim with items collected over the years, transitioned into nostalgic feelings far away from home. Sitting in an unknown building, surrounded by strangers. Waving to your parents wishing them a silent goodbye, wishing you can go run back into their car. 

It all changes.

Classrooms stuffed with students eager to learn, drawing utensils gripped in their palms. Class supplies including charcoal and portfolios, not heavy books and binders. Hallway walls covered in student work, and atmosphere of talent. How overpowering and intimidating it becomes. 

Late nights in dorms, the aroma of cheese pizza. Laughs shared in Ubers, blurry memories of dancing all night long. It starts to feel like home for some, but not for others. 

Winter break approaches, and your family welcomes you home with hugs. Warm hugs that make you miss the comfort of your own four walls, and the bed you’ve slept in for countless years. After Christmas movies, and a New Years kiss, you’re back in the cycle of a home away from home. A not so unfamiliar place of a small twin XL bed and brick sidewalks. 

The first quarter of freshman year was a whirlwind of tears, laughter, and late nights consisted of drawing homework. Some days I wished it would be different, but you know life never stops for you. Now back for second quarter, I’m filling it with positivity nonetheless. 

Transitioning is hard, and coming back to college after a long winter break at home is harder for some—like myself. Although with each day passing by, I’ve started doing small things every day to make college feel a little more like home. 

1. Make your bed

I know this sounds super silly, but having a made up bed won’t invite you to crawl back inside and binge watch Gilmore Girls —which I hate to break it to you, but it’s a good thing. It’s almost like a head start for an amazing day ahead. 

2. Go on a walk, by yourself

Small walks to the coffee down the street while listening to the Lumineers can really boost your mood a lot. Gives you time to think, and some of us sometimes forget to think. 

3. Make yourself busy

Get yourself involved in school clubs or activities. Find something that piques your interest and go for it. Get a job, look for something you love to do. College towns love hiring students—use that to your advantage. Plus you’ll never know what kind of friends you’ll meet along the way!

4. Write, or start picking up more of your favorite books

Journaling, poetry, and anything to do with writing down your thoughts or escaping your mind is a free therapy lesson. For me—I end up solving my own problems myself by writing down my thoughts. Everyday I recap my day in my journal, and as cheesy as it sounds—it gives me a clean slate for the next day. As for reading, who doesn’t love escaping their own reality by diving into a novel with a whole new world. 

5. Make your space feel like your space

Everyone goes to college and has the feeling they need to reinvent themselves, but that will only make the transition even harder. Bring things from home that give you a sense of belonging and security. Photographs, your first stuffed animal, anything that reminds you that you’re not alone—because you have so many supporters. 

6. Explore!

You’re in a new city! Explore your new surroundings, the museums, and the many food places. Being at an art college, there is so much art around me, and I take advantage of that—so should you. 

• advice
• college
• freshman year