Enjoy And Share









Before I entered college, I thought my life would be better. I had the intention of thinking college would be the best 4 years of my life. As I am writing to you during my second semester freshman year, I took note of all the little pieces and information I wish I knew before attending college.

1. You will feel lonely, and that is okay

I have felt very lonely at times in high school, thinking those days were over. Nope. They had only just begun. It’s crazy to think that at a time where you have resources and connections to clubs and organizations, and still feel lonely. I do not get homesick (except I miss my dogs!) but I feel a different kind of lonely feeling in my gut. I believe that especially during freshman year, this is all normal. I just have to get passed the bad and focus on the good, including getting out more.

2. Gaining the freshman 15 isn’t bad, and not gaining the freshman 15 isn’t bad, either

I struggled with weight ever since I have entered puberty. I am very petite, but I felt I wasn’t and instead I felt overweight. Coming to college, you have the ability to eat whatever and whenever. You can choose to sit in your bed all day and eat chips and bindgewatch a Netflix show. Stocked in cabinets and fridges are a hoard of chips, mini muffins, sugary drinks, etc. It is good to be able to practice becoming self aware and try not to eat after 10 pm. Freshman year is a time to have fun and experiment, this includes gaining a few pounds because of a few extra snacks to get you through the day!

3. You become more independent than you think!

Goodbye are the days that the teachers as well as parent chaperones had to watch our every move, making sure we didn’t do anything wrong. In college, you are your own parent. You need to think twice about the choices you make, the actions you decide to take. Nobody is going to force you to go to class, eat, do laundry, make sure you brush your teeth. You are your own boss, and it’s scary at first, I wasn’t used to being my own boss and making my own rules without any help. I can choose not to go to class for a week, eat junk food as well as hang out in my room and sleep for days at a time. You are independent. Don’t abuse this privilege.

4. Sleep

Sleep, Sleep, and sleep.

5. Call your family, they would love to hear from you

Being in college, it was my responsibility to make sure I check in and call family whether that be just saying a quick hello or a happy birthday. At times, I felt out of touch with my family, because it was the first time I don’t see them as often as I used to. I value my family, and realizing that family really does come first. I advise you to put family first as well.

6. Be grateful for what you have

You will meet people in college from all different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities etc. that you have never met before. Coming from a diverse place in NYC, I was always able to go to point A to point B in a matter of train stops. Meeting people from Long Island and other suburban areas were so surprised hearing how close each starbucks was in the city. How I don’t have a car, because I don’t need to have a car and instead, walk or take a cab. I found myself so grateful for the privileged life I have when especially meeting others who may not have been as privileged. I felt i was kept in a protective bubble, full of privilege and opportunities, where others I had met may not have had the same.

7. Drink water and wear SPF!!

About to head into being 20 in a few months to come, I am trying to drink more water in college as well as make sure i wear SPF. As time goes by, you are exposed to more and more sun and it’s better to be safe than sorry in the long run. I want to thank my younger self eventually for wearing SPF that will save and help my skin! Drink water and more water, need I say more?

8. Save money

Working over the summer before my freshman year, I tried to save money. Unfortunately, I am still in the process of being able to save money and I regret spending a boat load of money on food and makeup. I thought I would just get some spending money from family before I head off, so why not treat myself? Err…. everyday of the summer? Sure.

9.Listen to music

At the end, or at the beginning of a stressful work day, it’s great and beneficial to unwind and not stress too much. It’s great to listen to music and clear your head, even if it’s only for 5 minutes a day.

10. Have fun.

College is all about experimenting and learning about yourself. It’s about being able to meet and communicate with people from all over, and it’s a way of finding who you are. Remember that it is okay to treat yourself and allow yourself to relax and go out to have fun. College is great, so take advantage!

Goodluck,

XX