By: Kelsey Pinault (University of Miami)
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Freshman year of college is a whirlwind of experiences and life lessons. Suddenly things completely outside of your imagination are accepted or forgiven. Kissing a random boy (or three) at the party will no longer make you lose your spot at the cool table. You might make some people talk, but in no time there will be someone worse off than you were. When drinking underage comes into question it’s the more the merrier, and fake IDs are a dime a dozen. Although this is truly all part of your college career, after your first two semesters it’s time to change some things.
First, as adult and boring as it sounds, remember why you came to college. Booze and hot chicks will always be around but the skills you can acquire will definitely not be. If you haven’t already, decide where you want to go in life so you can choose a major. This way you can start getting internship opportunities earlier; I don’t care how brilliant you think your professor is, when he tells you gpa is the first thing future employers look at he’s lying, it’s what you’ve done thus far.
Next, find your real friends. Being a freshman and knowing slim to no people who go to the same school as you can be overwhelming. Usually people tend to bond with roommates and other people who live on their dormitory floor. Now don’t get me wrong these girls could be your future bridesmaids, but if they’re not you don’t have to stick around. Ultimately your friends should have similar values and beliefs as you, or you’ll begin to lose yourself.
Leaving freshman year behind to return next fall is much more than just a summer break. Every year of your life is a year to grow and college is one of the most influential times in this process. I’m not saying you can’t go out and have a good time, whatever your definition of that is. I just suggest you consider what you’ll be doing three years later when you make decisions. Don’t be one of those people who looks back on their past thinking “if only I…” But don’t forget to have fun with it either.
