For many high school seniors, the day of November 1st may cause anxiety. The panic and scramble to finish Early Action applications is a feeling I remember all too well. As someone who works with high schoolers, many of whom are in the process of actively applying to schools or beginning the process of looking at schools, my students often ask me what “the college experience” is like, and what advice I have for them.
Here’s what I tell them, and what I wish I knew as a freshman in college.
Get Involved
“Getting involved” on campus looks different for everyone because there are so many ways to do so. Consider working on campus for its convenience, sign up for an intramural sport team to stay active, join clubs and organizations to meet new people and make professional connections, or volunteer within your community to give back to others. I have met some of my closest friends and expanded my professional network through volunteering and working on campus.
It’s Okay to Stay in the Present
One of the first things I heard when I started college was that I had to “market myself.” I had to build resumes, buy a professional wardrobe, write cover letters, apply for internships, and know what I wanted to do professionally by the time I had a cap on my head, a gown on my body, and a diploma in my hand. It is okay to not think about all the “professional stuff” right away. The college experience is not just what you want to do when you leave, but also what you want to do now. Have fun, meet new people, try new things, and make memories. When you always think ahead, sometimes you miss what happens in the moment.
Explore Your Options
When I was applying to colleges, my mind was set on engineering. However, when I took an English class during my freshman year, I fell in love with writing and decided to declare a second major in English. Because of that English class, I am now combining two amazing passions, and I love the work I do. Have fun with your elective credits, explore your interests, or take a risk and try something new.
Sometimes, You Learn More from Failure than Success
An unspoken truth of college is that failure is normal, and it happens a lot more than people are willing to admit. Failure is not a fun feeling, but it happens. You feel like all the effort you put in went to waste. But there is something to learn from failure. Perhaps it means the study method you used didn’t work for you, or the idea you had may not have worked. Take a moment to reflect and grow. You have so many opportunities in college to shine!
And remember, give yourself some time to breathe. College can be stressful, but always remember to put yourself first. You got this!
Terryn (any pronouns)
Peer Health Educator