The beginning of the academic year is stressful on all students, but one group of college attendees may especially feel the stressful effects of the start of school: freshmen.
Freshman year is so tough; being away from home, living with total strangers, learning to make new friends, and adjusting to a college-student schedule, are just a few of the challenges freshman have to take on. But, not to worry freshmen, you don’t have to take on these obstacles alone; the editors of “The Outlook” are here to help!
Adjusting to a new lifestyle is overwhelming, leading so many freshmen into the habit of going to class, grabbing food at the dining hall, going home, going to sleep, and doing it all over again. But, the editors agree that if there is one thing freshmen absolutely should do is get involved with campus activities, clubs, and organizations.
“Get involved on campus! This is a great way to meet new friends and build connections.
This is especially great for building skills for the professional world,” said one editor.
Similarly, another editor commented, “Take advantage of everything this school has to offer. Join new clubs, go on career treks, take advantage of tutoring services, go to sports games, just do it all! You never know what will help build your friendships or resume.”
“Freshman year is the perfect time to find what you like and dislike,” added a third editor.
Another piece of advance all the editors can agree on is don’t take yourself too seriously.
Now, school is definitely important, but that doesn’t mean you should be anxious or worried all the time.
One editor explained, “I would tell my freshman self to stop worrying so much. Worrying takes years off your life, and it’s so stupid. Living in the present and waking up every day with a positive attitude is way more fulfilling than letting fear and anxiety take over.”
Instead, freshmen need to enjoy the moment they are in now, or as one editor put it,
“Time really does fly by and you’re only in college once, so make the most of every moment.”
That doesn’t mean there won’t be hard times, because trust us, there will be; but, you can’t let those bad moments define you. Ultimately, you just have to, “Stick with it. Even during tough
parts of the semester when the workload gets heavier and responsibilities feel more prominent, it is during these times you will grow and learn how to balance everything on your plate,” said an editor.
Lastly, for all the freshmen who are completely unsure about what they want to do in the grand scheme of life, it’s totally okay. “I would tell my freshman self to not rush into a major, take the time you need,” said one editor.
Most of our editors are juniors and seniors, and if you asked us, we would probably stilltell you we have no idea where life will truly take us and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Friday, September 27, 2024
