Tag: new

Holy cow I can’t believe I’m writing this. My little sister has moved into college! I wanted to make a little post about this because I am just so proud of her. She is going to an amazing college and guess what? It’s in San Diego!! I’m so excited to keep exploring the city with her since she’s so close to my apartment and school. It’ll be nice to have family so close while I go through my senior year of college.

It’s always so funny between her and I since we’re three years apart. Just like in high school, I was the senior while she was an incoming freshman. We’re repeating the same thing in college just on a more adult level. I’ve changed incredibly in these last four years and it’s insane to think she’s just starting her journey. Moving her into her dorm was hectic, like it usually is each year as you move into a new building. It was one of the hottest days of the year, but her room turned out adorable and I’m excited to see what she thinks of dorm life. She has many advantages that I didn’t have, for example having her own bathroom in her room (major plus!) Her room has an amazing view of part of San Diego, so she is very blessed.

Moving her into her dorm made all the memories flood back from moving into my own dorm freshman year. It is extremely overwhelming being bombarded with new faces, rushing around, and trying to be friendly and sociable with your new roomies. It’s a lot but she handled it with more grace than I usually do. This time is filled with so many opportunities, with four years ahead that will be loaded with new friends, hours of homework and studying, uncontrollable laughter, and quite a few tears. It was such a trip to look back on the day I moved into my little dorm room thinking the sophomores were incredibly old and very experienced (lol). But now I’m a senior, about to start working on my final graphic design portfolio, thinking about grad school, and wondering where the heck my life is headed after I graduate.

So with that being said, I think I’m definitely in the position to hand out some advice. Hopefully this helps you in some way if you’re headed into college, and I especially hope my sister takes these things to heart.

Be Open and Excited to Meet (Plenty) of New People

There is absolutely no doubt that your first year you will meet a crazy amount of new people. Being the new kid is kind of scary, but everyone is in the exact same boat. Everyone is looking for someone to talk to and everyone wants to make a life at your new school. Be genuinely interested in learning about someone new and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more genuine questions you ask, the more the conversation will become easier and better! People want to know about you too! Tell them about yourself, sell yourself! Try not to be closed off and work on building a new network of friends.

Friends Will Come and Go

So you’ve made a nice group of friends freshman year. Go you! That’s amazing. Be aware that every year in college is different and people change rapidly. Some in great ways and others in not so great ways. Know that each year you may hangout with different people, add more peeps to your list of friends, or lose those that become toxic. This time is made special for YOU and there’s no time for people that bring you down. I was lucky enough to have a freshman hall where mostly every person keeps in touch and we all still love to get together every now and again. The same may happen for you, and don’t count it out! Simply be open to new people every year and it will get easier and easier.

Say Yes to Everything!

These four years are your chance to try things you’ve never done before! If something makes you hesitant, it’s probably going to be a great learning experience. Within boundaries of course, I’m not talking about drugs or excessive drinking. That’s a no no. If you’re thinking, “Should I go to that event tonight? I can’t make up my mind.” Just go! You may meet someone or do something that could give you new realizations or change your path! You never know. I’ve tried to do this in my life recently, and it’s honestly made me really happy. From saying yes to Europe and yes to smaller things in my life, I’ve really grown from deciding to simply say YES more often. Try doing this in college, spread your wings! #cheeseball

Find Your Balance

One of the hardest things to do in college is learning to balance your new life. As a freshman you’re going to have to learn how to balance school, your social life, and your personal life all in one place. School and homework comes with its own stresses and trying to make new friends can make you feel a little displaced and unsure. But your personal life is of top importance as well. Take care of YOU. Go to sleep extra early some nights if your body needs it. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with saying, “Hey guys, I need a little extra rest tonight so I’m gonna hit the hay now. I’m feeling a little drained.” Those who truly care will completely understand. I’ve been blessed with roommates who really get that and appreciate if I ever need sleep, and vice versa. If you’re feeling sick one day, REST! Don’t push yourself to the max; if you’re feeling horrible one day then skip your classes and take care of yourself. Missing one day is better than going out extremely sick and then having to miss multiple days.

It’s Okay to Feel Unsure or Even Scared

This is something every person experiences during their first week, month, or even year of college! Leaving your family for the first time is a big step. It’s 100% understandable to feel a little scared or filled with anxiety. I know there were points when I struggled. It’s a completely normal response, and know you’re definitely not the only one. It’s okay to not be okay some days. You’ll have your ups and your downs, but you simply have to accept that. It’s a part of the experience, but every down comes with an up. These are moments to check in with your family or friends back home. Sometimes just hearing their voice and talking about how you’re feeling can make you recharged and more positive. Don’t hold anything in, especially if you’re not feeling great emotionally. You’re becoming an adult who can care for themselves, but everyone needs a little advice or support sometimes.

So those are a few tips for you guys, I hope they are helpful or comforting to even one person. It comes from my own experience and specific things I wish I could’ve heard as a freshman.

To My Little Sister (Whose Not So Little Anymore)

I am so proud of you. Things are hazy right now and everything is new. But try to take it all in and enjoy your new life! It’s quite an exciting one. San Diego is a paradise I hope you take advantage of and want to come back to one day. I also hope my experiences have made you feel more sure about the new adventure you’re about to embark upon. Be safe and I’m only a few minutes away if you ever need me. Congratulations, love you Skye!

xx Sage