I heard a lot of advice about college from an early age from a lot of people. Everyone in my family except for one grandparent has at least a four year college degree, so they all had ideas for how to conquer college. On top of that, I graduated from a private Christian school in Des Moines, Iowa, where college was pushed from their view. Before we continue, I must note I was not a fan of my high school’s ideologies, so I discarded all of their “advice” on how to conquer college. Anyways, when it became time for me to go to college, I sort of half listened to my parents and family in a mostly respectful way. I have always been an independent person, and I like to do life my own way. Four years later and just under six months from graduating, I can report some of their advice was actually amazing! I think I have discovered my parents are smarter than I used to give them credit for!
However, no one knows me as well as I know myself. Four years later, I have five tips I would go back in time and tell my nineteen year old self before moving into Smiley Hall (my freshman dorm). I am going to write my suggestions like I would write to myself. They will be honest and very straightforward!
Tampa is beautiful place. I never get over it even four years later. Here I am on move-in day. Aug 2019.
Mom and Dad always said you could go to college almost anywhere that would accept you! That is an awesome privilege not too many kids have. With privileges come responsibilities. At the end of the day, Mom and Dad are the reason you are in this position. Communication is key! You don’t always need to disclose details, but the more you can disclose the better. If you find yourself trying to hide details, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. A few good ways to keep Mom in the loop include answering the phone when she calls, sending pictures of yourself enjoying paradise, and asking for help when needed. Mom lives to help you! Finally, beware. If you don’t answer your phone, Mom will call Residence Life to do a check-in. So answer the phone!
There will be tests or projects that go poorly. You will disappoint people. You will oversleep classes. There are going to be failures, both forced and unforced. The steps after failure are key. After you have a bad round, you always go to the range to tune your swing. After doing poorly on a test, going to the range may mean spending a little extra time on that class or going to office hours. After you disappoint someone, talk face to face with the person. If it’s causing stress, talk to Mom or Dad about it. After oversleeping a class, remember your priorities and who is providing for you. Staying up all night is not conducive to being successful. Despite the temptations, try to stay on a consistent schedule. After each failure, go back to the “range” and focus on the basics. Then get back on the course and shoot a low number!
Playing college golf has been a goal of yours for a few years now. You were a late bloomer, but with your talent and upside, you have a real chance to play for the Spartans. However, I am going to tell you now that golfing for the Spartans will not work out. The coach is a mirror hog, who only likes his international players. He will not reply to Ken’s emails even after Ken name-drops that he coached Zach Johnson and Broc Everett. However, club golf will be one of many opportunities you will capitalize on because of that closed door. You will be able to continue playing competitive golf against big schools. You will get to travel across the country with your new friends! It truly is a unique experience! Don’t be discouraged by closed doors. Instead, go knock on the next door!
Dorms are a great place to meet people. You will meet your best friend and future roommate of three plus years in Smiley Hall. You guys will be great roommates at Anchor for at least three years. However, four years later, you will only be talking to him and one other guy regularly. There will be others you say hi to and are interested in, but you will only be close with your roommate and this other guy. You will meet your other close friends through other places. Some of the people you meet in Smiley will be interesting. They will be like people you have never met or interacted with before in mostly good ways. However, they will not bring out the best in you. There is nothing personally wrong with them, but for your own good, it is best to pay attention to the red flags you notice right away. Don’t try to mask those red flags! Enjoy those great friendships you make and work hard to keep them!
There will be situations where it will be difficult to determine what is right or wrong. Often, there will be good cases for both in a given situation. In these cases, go with what feels right. There are countless examples in your life where you ignored those first instincts, and something bad happened. Trust those instincts and act on them! You have been blessed with great parents who raised you really well. They taught you right from wrong and put you in many situations where you had to think for yourself. Use this knowledge to navigate those difficult situations. If possible, avoid these tough circumstances. You have what it takes to thrive!
There they are! These are the five things I would immediately tell my freshman self to conquer college. These five tips are not the only thing I would tell myself by any means. These are just the five tips that I have found to be the most encompassing for a successful college experience. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I’ll see you again soon.