An Open Letter to My Freshman Year Self
Dear Freshman Kate,
I’ll make this short and sweet, much like your time at Auburn.
You did it! You graduated from high school! Congratulations on making it through the easiest four years of your life. That’s right, I said “easiest,” because the next five years aren’t just toga parties and tailgates. And yes, I said five years. Spoiler alert: you won’t graduate on time.
As a fifth-year senior at Auburn, I have learned so many things about my life, my career and, most importantly, myself. You already know that you’re going to have fun, so I won’t tell you about all the wild nights and brutal hangovers that await you. Rather, I want to share some of the lessons that I learned along the way.
No one cares about your high school self.
This is probably the hardest lesson to learn. No one cares that you were the lead in the spring musical for two years. No one cares that you were a cheerleader and got to cheer in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the state championship. Save all the fun stories and trips down memory lane for Christmas Break when you see your hometown friends.
All of the status of high school washes away the moment that you get your Tiger Card at Camp War Eagle. Don’t think of this as losing yourself; it’s not an identity crisis. Think of it as an opportunity to improve yourself and grow into the young woman you’ve always dreamed of being. Be bold, be fearless, be you.
Stop comparing yourself to everyone else.
Comparison is the thief of joy. In college, especially during your freshman year, it’s so easy to feel like you have to be like all the other girls. You’re probably going to think that you have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive clothes to stay on top of the latest trends. Hot take: trends die.
People put their best moments on social media. So, when you’re wondering why your freshman year doesn’t seem as exciting and care-free as others’, remember that everyone is going through their own struggles.
There’s no “right way” to do college. Enjoy every experience and the people you share them with because you’re going to make memories and friendships that will last for the rest of your life.
Put yourself out there and try new things.
Failure is inevitable. Speaking from personal experience, you will fail time and time again. But every time you fail, you come out a stronger and better person. No failure is the end of the world.
College is a time for exploring; finding out who you are and discovering your passions. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you’re scared. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll probably have a panic attack or two before leaving your comfort zone, but once you do it, the doors will just continue to open for you.
“Freshman 15” is a real thing.
Whether you like it or not, you’re going to gain weight during your freshman year. It’s hard to avoid the Freshman 15 when your dorm is, according to Google, 263 feet away from Chick-fil-A. The adjustment from Mom’s cooking to on-campus dining is a huge shock for your body, and some days you just won’t feel like going to the rec center.
It’s ok! You’re still going to be somewhat healthy from all the walking you’ll be doing. Your car will be parked in Egypt (RO parking lot) and Auburn has more hills than flat surfaces. Everyone gains at least some weight during college, so don’t think people are judging you for getting that large order of french fries and eating every single one.
Live in the moment.
I know how easy it is to stay in your Twin-XL bed with those super comfy pillows while watching Netflix, but don’t do it. Go to that party where you don’t know anybody, because you never know when you’re going to meet your next friend. I met my best friend at a party on a random Tuesday night during my freshman year, and I wouldn’t be the same without her.
School is obviously important, but it’s ok to skip a class to nurse your hangover. Just don’t do it too much because that’s a dark road that you do not want to go down. When you look back on your time at Auburn, the moments when you were present are the most important ones that you’ll cherish forever.
You will find yourself.
It may seem like everyone around you has their life figured out, but they don’t. Don’t stress about not knowing what exactly you want to do with your life right now. College is a time for self-discovery and adventure. If you chase your dreams and never give up on yourself, I promise that you’re going to be just fine, and you will find your place at Auburn.
