As a freshman, I remember being fairly overwhelmed but extremely excited as the school year began. It was not easy jumping into a new place full of new people, opportunities and expectations.
Now, as a junior, I have taken time to reflect on my own experiences. With this, I decided to come up with a few important messages and lessons I have learned throughout the years. If I could go back in time and give my freshman self a few words of advice, I would tell her to read this article.
First, it is important to understand you will most likely do poorly on a few assignments and exams. This is normal. It does not matter if you are ahead in credits, graduated top of your class or that you had a 4.2 GPA in high school. Being at the University of Wisconsin-Madison means every valedictorian and top student now sits next to you.
This piece of information failed to humble me in Chemistry 103, as I received a 33% on an exam. I was studying for hours, going to office hours and still failing. Let me validate the fact that college at an esteemed university is not easy. Although it felt like the end of the world, I still passed the class and did even better in Chemistry 104.
If you find yourself in this position, use it as a learning opportunity. Instead of beating yourself up over something you cannot change, use this as motivation to try something new. College is all about learning what works for you and what doesn’t.
Mistakes will be made as no human is perfect. Everyone functions differently, meaning everyone learns differently. Take some time to research and practice new study habits as this can be extremely beneficial in your success.
Say “yes.” I am sure you have heard this piece of advice time and time again, but I am here to reiterate the necessity of saying yes to new activities and people. Join clubs and activities, engage in class, and most notably, don’t be afraid to meet new people. I would recommend talking to as many people as you can, even if they seem like someone you wouldn’t usually talk to. You never know who you will meet, and what opportunities you will run into.
While saying “yes” is great, saying “no” is just as important. Sometimes, for your own good, you need to say “no” and do what is best for you. Maybe you have hours of schoolwork to get done or you simply need some time to yourself.
Remember the importance of independence and alone time because it greatly benefits your overall success. As time went on, I got more comfortable at school, and realized I didn’t need to be with someone at all times of the day. The more time I spent alone, the more I was able to coordinate my own needs. Maturing is realizing you can and should enjoy spending time with yourself.
Finally, and most importantly, give it the whole year. The end of my first semester at UW-Madison was my mental lowest: finals, fights with roommates and a situationship to end all others. I felt like I had made a mistake coming to college in the first place. Had I not come back the next semester, I would have missed out on meeting the people I now consider family.
By the end of the spring semester, I had to be dragged out of this city. Keeping my perspective on the exciting possibilities led me to the person I am today.
