I can’t believe that it’s already coming down to the final moments of my Freshman year – a year that has been trying, exciting, and exhausting.
On top of those feelings, it’s been so much more. It’s been eye-opening, growth-inducing, and incredible. I’m so excited to be able to wrap up this year, but it’s also a year I will never forget.
I attended Medina Public School (which is 25 miles from here), starting my 7th Grade year. Prior to that, I was everywhere.
I’ve lived in Moorhead, Minnesota two separate times; Provo, Utah two separate times; close to Little Rock, Alabama; somewhere in Arkansas; Manila, Philippines; and even Mission Viejo, California, which is where I was born.
That’s not even including the many places I’ve gone or visited! So, moving here to the college was really nothing new to me.
Starting all the way back in preschool, I was pretty much the only kid that never missed my parents when I wasn’t with them. I remember one time, specifically, when I was in Oregon with my dad, and my mom was back home in Minnesota, I told her over the phone that I loved her but didn’t miss her because I was busy.
I know, it sounds harsh, but I just loved getting out and experiencing new things.
I’ve probably gone home fewer times than I should have, but I’ve been absolutely loving everything to do with this campus and the people on it.
And because of that, after less than a year of college experience, I would like to give you four recommendations that made my college year so incredible:
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Get involved!
Check out Student Senate or any other kind of campus organization. Go to the random dances, win the foosball tourneys, and compete in or watch sports. If none of that appeals to you, find others that dislike everything as well and you’ll probably start to kind of like things.
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Get to know people!
We have an incredible opportunity to meet people from many states as well as countries. Whether it’s learning new words for things or just hearing their stories, you will probably be less bored than you would be sitting in your room by yourself playing Call of Duty. (Truly, I’m not judging you. I’ve logged multiple hours of Overwatch over the past semester.)
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As you get involved, stick with the things you truly enjoy and the places you like to go, but still be open to new things!
I know, that’s a long recommendation. The library is more exciting with people like Paige, and all the other inhabitants. L2 is a great place to study, Alex Delzer will likely make you fall in love with Jon Bellion, and racquetball in the Larson can be dangerous when the racket slips out of your hand.
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Enjoy the time you have here and realize the opportunity!
I know, people have told you that before, but when was the last time you actually thought about it? You know those things you value, and the things you enjoy doing? Did you know that you can show those to other people and influence them? You have opportunities to grow as well as influence the growth of others around you! Be yourself, spend less time on Facebook, and take away my Xbox please.
This is in no way an exhaustive list of things I would recommend, nor does it compare in any way to Ned Bigby’s School Survival Guide. But this college experience, and life, is what you make it.
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
–Woodrow Wilson
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Posted:April 21, 2017
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