Dear College Freshman

Dear College Freshman,

College is exciting, and scary, and full of new experiences. Here is some advice from me, a recent graduate, to you, an incoming freshman.

Do things that make you uncomfortable. Join clubs, talk to strangers, put yourself out there. This is your chance to brand yourself and find your people. Talk to the person next to you in class, exchange numbers, visit with other people in your dorm. I promise everyone is feeling as anxious and uncomfortable as you. It’s important to make connections early on. You never know when you will come across those people again. It’s incredible the people I know and can speak to while walking across campus with 20,000+ of my closest Wildcat friends! And arguably most important: get away from home and out from under your parents’ wings. Be your own person, get out of your comfort zone and experience a new place.

Work hard, play hard. Don’t slack off on school work. Keep your scholarships. Your GPA may not define you, but it is still important. You may not plan on going on to graduate school right now, but things change, and that GPA will matter. I didn’t decide I wanted to continue my education until my senior year. Do your homework, study regularly and go to class. I kick myself now for not being a better student my first two years. But it’s also important to do fun things. Go out with your friends. Explore your town. Go to the gym. Join an intramural or club sports team. Go to sporting events, even if it’s not what your school is known for. Get involved – there’s no lack of opportunity on campus.

Find a job that will help you on your career path. The single best thing I did in college was get a job in my department. It opened SO many doors for me. I met tons of people, formed personal relationships with my professors and other faculty and gained tremendous experience in my field. In fact, if I hadn’t made some of those connections, I would have never found my way into agricultural communications. I just happened into my job by chance, but what I recommend to people who approach me about it is visiting with the student services office in your college/department. It probably won’t pay well, but it is worth the experience!

Take care of yourself. Take a nap when you need it, stay in when you don’t feel like going out, eat a salad and drink some water every once in a while. College is full of changes – emotionally, physically (hello, Freshman 15), within friendships and sometimes geographically. Moving to Kansas was the best decision I’ve ever made, but I won’t lie to you and say it was easy. I had my fair share of struggles, but if you stick it out things will get better. However, if you get a full semester in and decide maybe college isn’t for you, there’s no shame in that either. In a society where we are constantly connected, remember to be true to yourself and take care of yourself before anyone else. Put the phone down and engage with who and what is around you. Sign out of social media for a weekend. Go for a walk. Go to church, if that’s your thing. My faith grew considerably after moving away from home. Journal, read, listen to music, exercise and explore new things. To quote a cliché saying: do more of what makes you happy.

Enjoy your college experience! It truly does fly by.

Best of luck,

Rachel