Embrace next adventure

I just got home from college a few days ago.

My freshman year flew by and it’s hard to believe I’m home again until August. I have been reflecting a lot on everything that has happened and I still can’t believe that the scared girl who had to tell herself “get through today” daily in the fall is the same girl who stayed longer than she had to so she could say goodbye and hang out with her friends longer.

I have grown so much through my freshman year and I know there are high school seniors out there who are scared or maybe excited for college but don’t know what to expect. So here’s some advice from a former freshman. 

First things first: It is normal to feel lonely and want to go home. This is cliche and you will hear it more than just this once but it’s true. 

You will see freshmen with big groups of friends and think there might be something wrong with you or you will be in a big group of friends and feel like you don’t fit in. It is all a process of finding your people and finding yourself. 

Trust the process. Do not beat yourself up. Whether it's a bad grade or feeling down, what isn’t going to help is you being hard on yourself. 

Are there times when you need to realize you could do better or be a better person or friend? Yes, but when starting something like this that is brand new you are bound to slip up — forget an assignment, tank a test or even forget to text a hometown friend. 

This is a difficult transition for a lot of people. Don’t make it worse by being your own worst enemy. 

This one is basic: Try different things. 

If the way you studied in high school isn’t working out, change the way you study. This may result in a few lower grades but it’s better now than senior year. 

If you have a good study spot that worked the first few weeks but lately it seems like you can’t focus? Move to a new spot and that will help. 

From homework techniques to workout methods, if something isn’t working for you, change it. 

This is especially true with friendships. In college, you meet new people almost daily. There are times when the person you are friends with could seem like the nicest person ever but if the relationship isn’t what is the best for you then you have to make a decision. 

I could go on and on about what to expect and what to do but there are times when you have to find out for yourself because what worked for me may not work for others.

So, to those graduating high school or even college, good luck on your next adventure and remember that you are never alone. 

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”