Dear Incoming College Freshman,
Congratulations, welcome to the family! It makes me very excited knowing that you have decided to attend Dickinson State University. As you begin your journey, I have three tips for you. I will be simple and straightforward. These are just some things I have learned along the way.
- Do not believe this lie: “There is nothing to do.” False! Get involved! Join a team, join intramurals, join the choir or band, join a club, attend events on campus. Just get involved! You will find that you enjoyed your time much more if you just get involved. There is always something to do, and you will never be bored. You will make countless friends and memories. So, tip #1: get involved.
- Do not believe this lie: If I do not go out and party and drink with everybody, I will not have any friends. False! Example: me! I never really got into the party culture, and I have just as many friends if not more friends than if I would have. So, enjoy yourself, but don’t fall into peer pressure like many do. If you be who God is calling you to be and do not try to fit in, you will find that you will be more respected because of it.
- Pray. If I did not bring this up, I would not be being completely honest. College is hard at times. There will be times where you are stressed and overwhelmed. Many students try to fill this anxiety with a plethora of other things. I promise you, if you go to Jesus in prayer, everything will be okay. A personal encounter with Jesus is better than any alcoholic beverage, and better than any high from any drug. So, pray, read the bible, go to Church, receive the sacraments.
Sincerely,
Nathaniel Jilek ’26