5 Things I Wish I Knew as a Freshman
Hello readers! With the 2023–2024 school year closing in, it's no shock that these last few weeks have been filled with dorm room shopping, car tune-ups, and mid-day runs at Target for that one pack of sparkly gel pens you just have to buy. We are all preparing to reenter the great world of academia, but with the class of 2027 being the largest incoming class at Centenary, I thought I'd share my list of five things I wish I had known as a freshman (even if it was only a year ago). While these tips would have helped me, I hope they can save you, dear reader, from some not-so fun freshman year fumbles. Now, onto the list!
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Whether it's a professor, mentor, peer, or the ghost that definitely resides in Mickle Hall (ask around, and you'll hear the rumors), there are people on Centenary's campus who want to see you succeed and want to help. College can be tough, and no one expects you to pretend you have everything together, especially if you are new to the college experience. Don't be afraid to talk to someone if you are struggling. I promise you aren't alone!
It's ok to say no
Look, dear reader: There will be tons of people on campus trying to get you involved in many different clubs, organizations, and activities, and honestly, that's great! It's important to get involved to explore your hobbies, meet awesome people, and even discover new things you never knew you could enjoy. The thing to remember, though, is that your mental and physical health are just as important. You do not want to stretch yourself thin, trust me. Saying no is an essential part of self-care. So, if your roommate offers to take you to play underwater tennis and you're not up to it, don't be afraid to politely decline.
Get to know your professors
Speaking of professors, it's important that you take some time to get to know them. Yes, you are here for a college education, but having that particular support and guidance from a professor can be a game changer. Trusted professors can offer support, write recommendation letters, help you find a job if you have similar fields, or even suggest internships here in the Shreveport-Bossier area for you to apply to. This is a tip I wish I had known, so if you take nothing from this article, may you at least take this. Plus, who knows? You might even bond over hit 90s rock and geeky obscure movie references.
It's ok to let the little things go
When you come to college for the first time, everything feels like a huge deal. Finding the perfect outfit, stressing over little assignments, making sure you make the most friends possible, the list goes on and on. But let me pass on some words of wisdom I wish I'd known: sometimes, you just have to let the little things go. Did you not do well on an assignment? It's ok, I promise. Did you accidentally spill orange juice on your favorite shirt? Happens to all of us. Forgot to print out an essay for your second-period class? It sucks, but your professor will understand. You can't let something so little ruin your entire day and possibly your entire college experience. All you can do is let it go, take a deep breath, and continue on. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff.
Have fun
It's cheesy, believe me, I know, but sometimes we spend so much time thinking about everything we have to do that we forget to enjoy the present. College is an exciting, wacky, scary, and new part of your life. It's a time to enjoy and to make some wonderful memories. Go to a soccer game, eat at a restaurant, play video games in your dorm, and enjoy every moment. College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you deserve to feel happy through every moment of it.
So, dear reader, that's it. Remember, college is a journey, not a destination. It is a time to learn, grow, and have fun. And if all else fails, at least you got those sparkly gel pens to make your notes look super cool.
