Staff Writer: Savannah Phillips
What advice do you have for someone new to college?
-Cal Riehl (Freshman)
Hey Cal! Thanks for participating! I know this is different from what I usually do, but I really wanted to share below some things I’ve learned during the first couple of months of college! Though it took me seconds to formulate this list, it took a lifetime to learn them all.
When I first read your question, I laughed (in a good way) and thought, how vague. But then I thought, how relatable. I bet each and every young adult entering college has begged for this advice. Because life changing events are freaking scary!
We scramble to find all the information we can before it begins. We desperately, on a daily basis, in one way or another, try to figure out if we’re doing this thing called “life” right. Whether we seek this from friends, parents, mentors, or the stranger sitting next to us in class, we try to make sure we’re not completely messing up.
When we hear those words, “it’s not just you, I do that/ have felt that way, too,” I could almost guarantee we feel a sigh of relief- validation. We connect through hardship. In a world that focuses on differences, it’s ironic that we bond personally over similarities- alikeness. It makes us feel not so alone.
Hopefully my list of advice will make you feel more at ease and realize that you are, in fact, doing a lot right. We’re all in this together. It’s important to talk about this stuff, because when we do, we realize we are far from alone. Let me know if you can relate to my amateur list 🙂
- Don’t be afraid to be different.
- It’s okay to sit alone.
- You’re not always going to have everything figured out.
- It’s okay to not be okay.
- Prioritize and time manage
- Treat yourself
- Be gentle with yourself
- Don’t forget your roots as you grow your wings
- Remember your morals
- Stay humble and kind
- Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay.
- When you fall down, get up!!!
- Don’t scared. Be brave.
- Make memories.
- You don’t have to go crazy to have a wonderful experience.
- Take responsibility.
- Apologize. You aren’t always going to be right.
- Take a breath. Try again. It will get easier.
- Seize the day. Every moment is a gift from God.
- Look at the positive. The cup is half full.
Wingate Triangle 