Freshman year is a learning experience for everyone venturing out into the college world. This is a time when we first leave our parents, which means we’re likely to make countless mistakes throughout this first year. We must make mistakes in order to grow, if we didn’t make mistakes we wouldn’t be human. If I were to go back in time and change how I went about my life that year, I wouldn’t have learned from my experiences.
Reflecting back to my freshman year now that I’m a junior, here are some things that I’ve learned that may help you:
1. It is important to find something outside of classes to do. Getting involved with clubs on campus is key to meeting new people, making connections and gaining friendships. You’d be surprised by the variety of clubs Winona State has to offer. There are over 200 clubs on campus. Check them out because it’s a lot better than hanging out in your tiny, crowded dorm room.
2. The people that are in your life are the ones who are supposed to be there. Friends change; it is possible to eventually lose touch with people you thought would be your friend forever. That’s okay; it’s okay to move on with your life, chances are they have too.
3. But if it’s your best friend from back home, it is important to keep in touch. You don’t have to know every detail of their life, but a phone call is nice every once in a while. Also, if you don’t go to the same school as your best friend, it’s likely they’ll meet new people and make new friends. This is completely normal. Don’t get jealous of her new friends, because if she’s your best friend, she’ll make time for you. Don’t think that you can’t make new friends, too!
4. I’ve learned how to take responsibility of my actions. Sometimes you just have to be the bigger person, even if something is not your fault. People will respect you for being mature in most situations.
5. My dorm in Lourdes Hall won’t be my home forever – Thank God!
6. That the shuttle system from West Campus to Main Campus actually really sucks! You have to wake up a whole HALF HOUR EARLIER than the people who live on Main Campus. Also, if you miss the bus, wait for the next one instead of taking your own car. It’ll take you longer to find any sort of parking space near Main Campus and you’ll be even more late to class. With that being said, 8am classes are almost impossible.
7. Boots of any kind are a necessity!
8. The cafeteria on Main Campus makes your clothes smell weird.
9. Life at home goes on without me, but I can always count on my mom for great advice. Sometimes moms know exactly the right thing to say at the right time.
10. I don’t miss high school – at all! … and if you do, you aren’t putting yourself out there enough
11. Sitting in your dorm room for hours at a time can be quite depressing.
12. Smile more! You’re much less intimidating this way.
13. Not all guys in college are boyfriend material, never settle.
14. Anything can happen when you trust the wrong person.
15. A’s are nice, but not always attainable. Grades don’t define someone. (Unless you’re majoring in nursing at Winona State, but your grades still don’t define who you are).
16. Grades are still important, though. If you take the time to actually study for exams, they’ll be easier and you’re likely to receive a better grade. Remember, you’re paying for them.
17. Not all professors are going to care about you, but it still helps to get to know your professors.
18. Never have high expectations for anyone but yourself.
And most of all, never take life too seriously, be yourself, and do things that make you happy. Someone once told me that waiting for someone to make you happy is the best way to be sad. So with all that being said, if I could redo my freshman year, I wouldn’t.