I had the same thoughts going into college as every other freshman. I wondered what it would be like, who I would meet, how many parties I would go to and what cool things I would get to experience. But, the issue that I and many other freshmen have is that I also expected it to go exactly how I had planned it in my head. I expected that I would stick with my major, get the job I had always dreamed about, be a part of the clubs I already knew existed going in and I would be happy doing so. I’ve never been further from the truth.
Expecting to know the outcome of everything before I even stepped foot in my dorm room is a mistake that many freshmen make. It is impossible to know how you will adapt to life on campus, and I found this as I grew distant from some of the people I knew from high school and closer with the people I have just met.
One of the lessons that I have learned in the past semester and a half of being a college student is that over everything, do what makes you happy. I spent the entirety of my first semester hoping that the major I had picked would become more exciting or that I would eventually end up actually enjoying it. I spent the semester trying to find a minor that I actually liked since my major didn’t make me happy. I convinced myself that it would get better and I didn’t know what my career would be like, so I just had to wait it out.
The best decision I ever made was changing my major and finally admitting to myself that I was wrong when I first came to college, that it’s okay to not follow your expectations.
Advice from a freshman doesn’t always seem to be helpful, but what I’ve learned is something that everyone should keep in mind. If you are not happy, change things, make it so that in the end you are happy.
With that being said, changing my major, joining the The Good Five Cent Cigar and rushing a sorority have been some of the best decisions I have made as a freshman.
Joining the Cigar was a last minute decision, but ultimately showed me who I want to be and what I want to do. Never in a million years would I have thought that journalism and writing would be my calling, especially during the first meeting when I hid in the back and hoped they wouldn’t ask me to take an article.
I also decided to rush a sorority at the beginning of last semester, and that was the best decision I have made during my college career. I have had so many opportunities, and made countless friendships that I know will last for the rest of my life.