ten things freshman year taught me

10. BE OPEN-MINDED

College is a new world so you will have to step out of your comfort zone, that’s the only way you will grow. “Nothing for you will pass you” is a quote I have heard time and time again and it definitely came full circle freshman year. Being open minded allowed me to be content with not receiving the opportunities that I applied for and very thankful for the ones I did receive. If something is meant for you it will come to full fruition. Just remember, everything happens for a reason.

9. IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP

Transitioning from high school to college and from living with your parents to being on your own is a HUGE step. I feel like a lot of freshman feel like they have to prove themselves to their parents or show off to their new friends at school that they have it all together when in reality literally nobody, not even the seniors have everything 100% together. And I learned that that is completely okay because college is literally about finding yourself and growing. I learned that the people around me were just as confused as I was and needed just as much help as I did. Utilizing my resources and the people around me allowed me to become comfortable in my environment fast and adapt as best as I could. Remember, you are never the only one and the person next to you probably has the exact same question as you, so it’s okay to ask for help.

8. YOU CAN PARTY & STILL BE ON THE DEAN'S LIST

Listen… Howard is lowkey a party school and there are multiple parties every weekend and ya girl went. But ya girl also got a 4.0 first semester and is on the Dean’s List. I didn’t party much in high school, so when the opportunity presented itself in college, I took it! However, I always made sure my work was 100% complete and turned in before I got ready to go out with my friends or I would have ample time during the rest of the weekend to finish. It’s all about self discipline. If my friends and I went out Friday night and also wanted to go out Saturday night, we were all in the library during the day Saturday and Sunday. Just make sure you have friends that have your best interest and hold you accountable. And you can turn up as much as you want and still be on the Dean’s List.

7. STAY IN TOUCH

Stay in touch with your friends and family back home. They miss you! Even if you don’t miss them that much, they want to know how you’re doing. If it’s just a weekly text to your grandma telling her you hope she had a good week, it will make her day. Most importantly, your parents miss you and they want to know EVERYTHING. Even if it is annoying to you, they are most likely paying for you to be at the school and you were just under their roof for 18 years. Don’t forget FaceTime is truly a blessing as well. Lastly, don't completely cut off your at-home-friends (unless their toxic of course). You grew up with them and they know a lot about you! Just because you have made new friends doesn’t mean you can forget the ones that held you down for years and helped you get to where you are today.

6. IT'S OKAY TO GET IN A RELATIONSHIP FRESHMAN YEAR, BUT...

COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Being in a relationship freshman year was a great experience. Most people are totally against freshman year relationships. However, a healthy relationship can definitely prosper your freshman year as long as there’s open and constant communication. You all have to talk about EVERYTHING! Finding that person that is willing to sit down and say “hey, we’re both young, we’re in school and that’s our priority right now” is everything. It’s cool to have someone there as a shoulder to cry on, someone to make you laugh or just a friend to watch a movie with or eat and having someone that finds you just as special as you find them. Having an additional friend that admires more than just your body and face but your heart and character is definitely special. Just remember a relationship is NOT supposed to be added stress. Your partner is supposed to add to your happiness. I saw a tweet the other day that said “It’s ok to date someone and not end up with them. Everyone you encounter romantically will not be “the one”. Use each experience to teach you something new about yourself. You may not remain friends, but you don’t have to leave enemies.” Remember to protect yourself and realize who is and isn’t worth your time.

5. FRESHMAN YEAR EXPERIENCES ARE ONCE IN A LIFETIME

From freshman week to homecoming, every event I experienced freshman year was unforgettable! Don’t worry about if people are watching you… I mean they’re going to do that anyway so you might as well have fun! You cannot do freshman year again and the memories you make cannot be repeated so live it up!

4. IT'S OKAY TO CRY

Remember that you are in a new place with new faces and it is okay and completely natural to feel scared and/or uncomfortable. Remember it is OKAY to cry, it’s okay to be sad or homesick. Don’t keep all your emotions inside because that is most definitely how they build up and you emotionally breakdown. College is new and stressful, you’re going to go through a thousand emotions a day, remember your feelings are valid.

3. YOU WILL FIND YOUR LIFELONG FRIENDS

Everyone comes from different lives and backgrounds and somehow end up at the same place. The friends you make in college end up becoming your lifelong friends because they LITERALLY see you you at your worst when you’re crying about grades or over boys and they see you at your best when it's the end of the semester and the sun is shining and you’re happy and glowing. College friends literally do everything together and I have found the most loyal and down to earth group of friends.

2. SELF-DISCIPLINE

Self-discipline is very important in college because you don’t have your parents or high school counselors down your throat pressing you to complete things. Remember to study in advance and stay organized. Hard work definitely pays off. Also DON’T forget to budget. (I know I did) But, it’s very very important to save your money and don’t spend it just because you have it. I promise the $5 you spend at the food truck every other day ADDS up fast!!

1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

I can’t express this enough! Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is so so so SO important! You are in a new space with new people and new goals. Protect your mental health most importantly. College can get VERY stressful VERY fast. Take time for yourself and don’t forget to breathe. Make sure you are eating right, drinking enough water (especially to balance the energy drinks and coffee), expressing your emotions and identifying the causes, and lastly remember to talk to God CONSTANTLY. He is the one that got you there and is without a doubt the one and only one that will get you through!

thanks for the memories freshman year,

naz