8 Things I Wish I Knew as a Freshman...

Funky Night at NCU - Freshmen year!

     Crazy to think that only a year ago I was packing up my things and getting ready to move downtown into a little dorm room with my good friend, Sarah. Oh boy, were my feelings ever a roller coaster! One day I was thrilled beyond belief to move out, live on a college campus, and feel like an adult! The next I was balling my eyes out not wanting to leave my family, best friends, dog, etc. My freshmen year of college was probably the biggest year of growth I've experienced thus far. During my first few weeks at North Central University last fall, I received a little card in my mailbox titled, "7 things I wish I knew when I was a freshman..." written by the Delta Kappa girls. As cheesy as it sounds, I kept it on the wall above my desk all year. Much of the points were full of wisdom and comforted me in difficult moments that first, semi-intimidating year of "real life" as my dad calls it.
     Whether you're getting ready to head out on your first college adventure these next couple weeks, or second, third, or fourth, I hope you are able to learn from me, as well as glean one or two nuggets of wisdom from my:

8 Things I Wish I Knew as a Freshman...

1. You REALLY don't need to bring every article of clothing you own, or a game/appliance/etc. that you "might" use. You don't need to bring so much stuff to college. Trust me, your roommates will thank you.
2. If you want to make new friendships, pursue and work for them! Don't be nervous - everyone is in the same boat. 
• Also, I know this is elementary knowledge, but seriously, be YOURSELF. Be conscious of the people and influences you hang around. You will become like the people you spend the most time with.
3. Save and spend money wisely.
• On a similar note, don't overwork yourself in order to "make money to pay for everything." I did that and missed out on many opportunities and events to build relationships with others. Just be frugal.
4. Just because your roommates stay up late every night, doesn't mean you should. You thought you were sleep-deprived in high school? Oh no, my friend. Take naps and go to bed at a decent time.
5. Make spending time with God everyday an absolute PRIORITY - above all else! Plan to wake up 20-30 minutes early and read the Bible, pray, listen to a worship song. You are going to face stepping stones and challenges during this season of my life. May God be your solid foundation and who you find your identity in.
6. As sad as this sounds, yes, some of your high school friendships will fade, but THAT IS OKAY. Don't worry/stress so much over the transition of high school friendships into college. Keep in touch with ones you truly care about, but know that you will make new friends in college if you choose to make an effort.
7. You don't have to read everything! You will drown in reading if you read every single reading assignment given. Get together with a couple classmates, split up the reading, then come back together and fill each other in on each section.
8. Have an older leader or mentor that you keep in touch with regularly (perhaps weekly). Allow them to keep you accountable, encourage you, lift you up in times of difficulty, pray for you, and give you advice.