Fresh Meat

Welcome. 

New Kids on the block, you have entered into one of the most exciting times of your life. Your college or university will grant you the ultimate experiences of a life time. You'll learn how to stay out  til' the crack of dawn and jump right back up and  be a scholar, five dollars can get you through at least two days easy and other sweet gems. As a "super senior" here at my institution, I have seen it all and done it all in my four plus some years here. Here are a few key tips and advice that I feel all freshman should know.

1. COLLEGE. IS. NOT. FOR. EVERYBODY!

Please, do not waste your time and money if you are not dedicated to your education. Taking out loans and spending your parents money unnecessarily is a complete waste of time. You will realize after your first semester or maybe even the first complete year that college just isn't for you and that is okay. 

2. WATCH.THE.COMPANY.YOU.KEEP!

EVERYBODY IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! Reread that line once more and understand this. They say that you meet your life long friends in college and I do believe that to be a true statement. Keep in mind that everyone who begins their journey through college are immature 17 and 18 year old students who are fresh out of high school. They are still adapting to being on their own as well as mentally maturing  and growing. The "friends" you become accustomed to when you first came will often times not be the ones you finish out with. You guys will bump heads, fall out and that's  fine. College was meant for you to blossom and become a social butterfly. Network with like minded people, they're usually the best friends to have around.

3. Enjoy your time in college.

The four (or more) years you may experience in college will be some of the best years in your life. You will make memories of a life time and these times will never come back around. Please don't miss out on your fun. Education is the first priority of why you're here, but be sure to make time for your fun and happiness. Once you receive your diploma in your cap and gown you are an adult and adult life is sometimes not what it seems. Take advantage of the unlimited amount of fun you can have here. My friends in the post-grad world say this frequently.

4. YOU'RE ONLY GROWING 

The things you will go through during this period of time is called growth. Things you may  have liked and found interesting last year, you may wake up and dislike them in the same the same breath. Your mind isn't fully developed until the age of 24, so your evolution is normal as much as it is necessary. Allow yourself to build character and mold into who it is that you are supposed to be. I promise that you'll love the person that you're becoming. 

5. You're in college for a reason!

Never forget that you're there for a sole purpose and that's to further your education for a better future. Focus on your studies, everything else will still be there. It may happen in four years or it might take six, but at the end of the day the goal is to graduate. You will excel in the classroom and you will get that diploma. No matter what.

This is the best time of your life. You will reflect back four or how ever many years from now and see how much you've grown. These are your best years. Be smart. Be safe. Stay encouraged<3