3 Years Of Thoughts

I just began my senior year of undergrad, and I want to reflect on some of the things I have learned in my time at college.

1. The friends you make during Threshold may not be your friends forever. That is okay.
2. CLUBS CLUBS CLUBS!!!! You generally meet the people that will be your forever friends in some sort of club. They are great ways to meet people who are like minded and enjoy the same things as you.
3. Take the hard class. Take the class you wouldn’t normally take, because nine times out of ten those are the ones that you learn the most in. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.
4. Talk to your professors. They have way more knowledge then they can even begin to present to you in class alone.
5. Don’t let someone else choose your major. I know that family and sometimes even friends can pressure you into choosing something you are not passionate about because they think you will excel. Stand up for your passions, it will be rewarding I promise.
6. Take care of yourself. That may mean not turning in one assignment on time, but it will be okay. Your health is more important than the grade.
7. Don’t just buy a planner, USE IT! When you have a good scheduling system in place, it goes a long way in caring for yourself while still getting school work done.
8. Drink water.
9. Your first few weeks may suck. But that’s okay. It gets better.
10. Utilize Student Services, they are there to help you.
11. Some friends turn into family, others move on.
12. If you are a freshman, 9 times out of 10 we can tell. (Tip: take your ID off of the North Park lanyard)
13. Trust your mentors, they will lead you in the right direction even if it seems terrifying in the moment.
14. Get the crazy haircut. Now is the time to explore who you are and how you show that to other people. Hair grows back.
15. Explore your city.
16. College can be a bubble, take some time away from the bubble.
17. Hugs are always a good idea.
18. It will all be okay.
19. Graduation isn’t the end goal, life is.

Here is a special note to people with mental illnesses:

Take care of your soul. There are a lot of forces that are trying to sabotage your time here. Take a minute and breath. Just breath. I know things are scary and overwhelming, but doing little things has really helped me. Like cleaning my room, or reading a book for fun. Take some alone time, then spend some time with people. Ask for help if you need it. Take your meds, but only the ones prescribed to you. Self medicating is dangerous and will only hurt in the long run. I love you and it will all be okay. 

 Always,
Stacey