From senior me to freshman me

This year, I am starting my senior year, and looking back, being at UIC and just coming to college has taught me so much about myself and growing up. Coming to college meant leaving my parents, stepping outside of my comfort zone and being independent for the first time. I was really anxious, but I also wanted to experience college life. I wanted to share some of the advice and lessons I have learned along the way. I hope this might help transfer students or freshmen, but for me, it's also a chance to reflect on everything I have learned over the years that has brought me here.

1. Do not be afraid to get involved!

   In my freshman year, second semester, I started applying for jobs since I had never had one before coming to college. Looking back, that was really my first step toward getting more involved at UIC. I then realized that if I wanted to get a job at UIC, I needed to get involved first and build experience. So my biggest advice is to start early. Volunteer, join clubs, and go to events. Try new things even if you're nervous; that's where a lot of my leadership started. You never know what small experiences will bring.

   
   

2. You don't have to do it all!

   As an overachiever that I am, during the first semester of my sophomore year, I took 20 credit hours because I did not have a job and needed to stay busy. Halfway through the semester, I got a job and joined a club. Looking back, I definitely did not need to do all of that, but at the time, I felt like I had to make the most of every second. I do not regret it since I learned more about myself and what I am capable of. Being productive does not mean staying busy.

   
   

3. Don't just pick an "easy" class

   Initially, I took a music class because I had heard it was an easy elective, but I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it. The class was American Popular Music, and it actually gave me the first essay I wrote in college that I felt really proud of. Taking this class made me realize that electives are a chance for you to learn something you have always wanted or to do a class you are interested in. You are already paying this tuition, so you might as well take a class you enjoy rather than one that is an easy A.

   
   

   

   (Image Credit: Pinterest)

4. Your freshman year friendships may not last..

   I had so many friends during my freshman year who I genuinely thought would be in my life for a long time. Some of those friendships slowly faded, while others ended due to falling-outs. At the time, it was hard not to take it personally, but I’ve learned that not every friendship is meant to last forever, and that’s okay. Now I have people in my life who genuinely care, support, and love me, and that's all that matters. The right people will find their way to your life :)

   
   

5. Enjoy the little things

   These years will never come again; take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you, but remember to enjoy where you are instead of constantly wondering about what comes next. Some of my favorite college memories are the simplest ones. Freshman year, being in the dining hall for 2 hours just yapping. Going outside at 11:00 pm impromptu with my friends to get food or to chill at their house. The random conversations and everyday memories are what make college special.

   
   

6. Life is going to change, that's a good thing

   Your life is going to look different as the years go on, and that’s completely normal. You’re growing, changing, meeting new people, and learning more about yourself along the way. Try not to be too hard on yourself when things don’t look the way you expected them to. Change can feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead you to people, experiences, and opportunities you never would have imagined. Give yourself permission to grow into a different version of yourself. You don’t have to stay the same person you were when you first started college.

(Image Credit: Pinterest)