15. “I’ve Got This.” I swear to you this was my main idea during that first month. I can do this; I will beat the statistics that say this “transition” is difficult. I won’t be like the rest of those poor freshmen who didn’t get it-well-I think the reason they didn’t get it, is because they had the same thought as me. Pride cometh before the fall, my friends. Believing yourself to be mightiest and smarter than you actually are when you arrive to campus can put you in a heap of trouble. Lesson One: You are not invincible. You will bring emotional baggage with you. Baggage from your family, past friendships, broken relationships, and all the horror of high school. Moving towns, or even across the country isn’t going to fix that. You can push your problems down, but they won’t go away until they are dealt with.
14. “I’m an Adult.” Yeah, sure, you can vote now and buy lottery tickets, but oh sweet child you are not an adult. I’m speaking to myself as well, age is but a number, and being 18-19 years old does not automatically make you an adult. Adulthood comes with maturity and responsibility. Going out every weekend or living it up on the weekdays are not signs of adulthood. Remember, you are a student first. Having fun is great, and even encouraged, but balancing your time is a huge feat that can knock you down hard if not accomplished as soon as possible. And, here’s the best part: asking your parents! There are so many reasons you should be calling your parents, one of the many is for laundry advice. I know you want to be independent, but sometimes it’s important to climb down off your high horse and seek advice.
13. “I’m Forever Alone. I’ll Never Find Love. Oh! He’s Cute.” We get it, whatever silly high school relationship you were in just ended. Or, maybe you tried long distance (which, by the way, never works), and now you are alone, sad, and vulnerable. Not to sound depressing, but hello! It’s your freshman year and, by golly, you are young! Gosh, I sound like my mother. But, in all seriousness, finding ‘the one’ or ‘true love’, or trying to hold on to a relationship that has long been over, should not be high on your priorities list. You have many years to find the cute guy (or girl) who will actually be that one. Focus on YOU for now, worry about serious relationships later. We are all aware how stressful and difficult relationships can be, so just don’t go there.
