Say Hello to College ...

It’s that time in June when, like every year, the admission process is complete and all of you are anxious about the first day of college. I remember just a short time ago, when I too was purchasing the last few items on my list and anxiously awaiting my first day of college. The college of my dreams. And so, here is a letter with a little advice and a lot of love for all those college freshman twiddling their thumbs and twirling their hair and wondering what’s in store.

Dearest FYJC Students,

Welcome. College, my friend, will be the most beautiful, amazing, and life-shaping experience that you have yet encountered.

On your move-in day, you’ll feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re going to a huge college, a tiny college, or an in-betweener. The campus will feel like you’re never going to learn your way around, the college culture will feel foreign, and the students will feel like strangers. Don’t lose your marbles.

You will know your campus like the back of your hand in a short time. The college’s culture will become as much a part of you as the fingers on your hands or the toes on your feet. And the people–the strangers–they’ll become your best friends. Not best friends like “oh, BFF,” but real best friends. Like laugh so hard you cry and cry so hard you laugh and turn to them with anything and everything all day or night best friends.

However, knowing the campus and the culture and the beautiful people doesn’t come without a price. You have to stretch yourself. I mean reallllly stretch yourself. You can’t just take a step outside of your comfort zone, you have to take a leap. A running leap. Like you’re competing in the long jump.

When I arrived on campus on the first day of college, I was ridiculously excited, but more than that I was insanely scared. So as a first year student, I decided that, I was going to make friends. And they were going to be fantastic friends who treated me well. And make friends I did. But it was not by accident, not all were.

I took part in every event organised by college, talked to people I never knew, maintained friendships ...  and the list goes on.

It was an amazing little life that I had created on my campus for myself. I was involved, really involved, in many different groups and organizations on campus. “Plugged in”. And I had friends, In my classes and in the clubs that I was a part of. And I was truly proud of myself. Because I didn't sit back and watch my first year go by and wonder what could’ve been.

I lived a life I loved by choice.

So to you I say–jump in! You’re not the child you were in school. You get to make decisions about friendships and activities based on the type of people you want to be around and what you care about. It’s no longer about doing things so “it’ll look good for college.” Choose to do what you love with people you love. And don’t settle for less.

You joined a club that you’re passionate about, but the people aren’t rocking your socks off? Join another one. Talk to the person next to you in class. Be the first to ask your classmate to lunch.

The friends you make in first year will stick around for life. At least mine did. It’s been four years now, I’m not even in the same college anymore. But we’re in touch. I Love them, and I know they love me.

                                         

And academics ??  Ya, I know that’s the “reason” you’re in college. To study and learn and get a degree. That’ll all come. You know what it takes to get the grade you want–do it. You know how long you need to study for your exams–so take time to study.

But above all, know that when you leave your college after two or maybe 5 swift years, it’s not going to be the campus or the classes that you really miss; it’s going to be the people. It’s all about the people. (And PS–you’ll learn much more from your relationships than your classes anyway. haha )

So throw yourself out there. Take a deep breath, exhale and stand tall. You’re meant to be exactly where you are. It’s up to you to make it the experience you want. Choose to live a life that you love.

No matter what crazy-difficult classes or heart-wrenching breakups you go through in your 5 years, it’s going to be the people who carry you through. 

I am so excited for you. I might not even know you. It doesn’t matter. I’m thrilled for you! Rock out your first year, because you’ll never get another one. And first year is the awesome dot com. Seriously, my favorite year of life to date.

Good luck and remember: This is only the beginning.