Three years ago on August 21, 2006, I began my first day as a student at Ball State University. I woke up at 6:30 a.m., leaving myself an hour to sit alone in the Cooper Science Building waiting for my Astronomy 100 class to start.
Although I arrived to my first class a tad bit early, I took the time to ponder what my college experience would be like. I thought about my professors and peers and whom I would be spending a great deal of time with. I wondered how difficult college would be and if I would be able to handle the daily student routine. I was so worried about the future that I didn't take any time to appreciate where I was or what I had. I was more focused on what kind of term papers I would have to complete, rather than surviving my first week.
My advice to you: please do not get too ahead of yourself. I usually don't like thinking about the future, but as a freshman it's hard not to. Let's face it though - you can't predict what's going to happen. Instead, take a second and embrace where you are. Be thankful you even have the opportunity to attend college and understand that all your worries will eventually cease to exist. Simply put, be patient.
Certainly, the doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live, but remember to finish each day and be done with it. You did what you could. The best thing to do is stop trying to figure out where you're going and enjoy where you're at.
Like you, I had made a personal choice to attend college and chase after what I really want. So, for freshmen entering their first week of classes, I understand the challenges you may be flustered about - you are away from home, miss high school friends and don't know many people in Muncie. While I wish I could say that everything will be exactly the way you want, realistically I cannot. But I can say that everything will work out for your best.
We may think change only occurs during our freshman year because it is the first time away from home. Yet this is only the beginning in what is a crucial four- or five-year period where we evolve as human beings.
The thing I have learned about college in the last three years is that change always follows us. It does not stop after we decide which college to attend and who are roommates will be. Instead, it continues throughout our time here and may or may not be what we expect.
Don't forget to keep asking questions of life, but remember the answers are always inside us. Our experiences in college are avenues to bring those answers out, so be sure to learn from every experience, especially the ones no one likes.
Try to enjoy this moment now and do everything you can to make your transition into college less painful. Remember to appreciate and be grateful for where you are. Your family may have helped you get here and you want to make them proud. College can help you become the person you want to be. And hopefully that will be a good thing.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The thoughts in your mind create your life. What we think, we become, so be careful of your thoughts.
If you find your freshman year is too much for you to handle or you have hit rock bottom, remember this: when you hit that low point, you always have a choice. You can either wallow in self-pity or you can suck it up. It's your call.
But, I think you'll do just fine! So, enjoy and good luck.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
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