Dear Incoming College Freshman,
The next four years will go by in a flash. No not literally, there will be semesters that feel like they have been going on for years. Classes where that 50-minute block that seem like the hands on the clock haven’t moved a minute. But there will also be times when you are hanging out with your friends, and it feels like it's been only 10 minutes even though it's been 2 hours. The walks to class started in August and then out of nowhere it is almost February. Even the long days begin to feel short. So, enjoy it. Enjoy every moment. As cliche as that may sound, it’s true.
You must enjoy it because there will only ever be once that you are in college as a freshman beginning the next chapter in your life. One of the things that helped me the most throughout my journey was getting involved. Being involved in anything allowed me to meet many new people. Whether it was an on-campus activity, or sitting with someone new in the cafe, or even trying a completely new thing that I had never done before. These things all allowed me to grow and figure out all what I wanted to do in college. As an athlete, I was able to walk into a friend's group right away. But even though that was the case for me, I still talked to new people in class. I still became a part of different clubs or groups on campus. I even tried cheerleading, as a person who has never even considered doing this prior to being asked. These things allowed me to find friends that I bonded with outside of just being an athlete. They helped me understand that I needed to learn to give myself grace. That is one of the most important things I have ever learned in my life. If you fail that test, it will be okay. If you miss one class, it will be okay. If you get the answer wrong when called on, it will be okay. Fortunately enough, the world still turns. Even if it is wrong, bad, or a failure, it is still a learning opportunity. Growth comes from failure, not success. How you handle the hard times is what shapes you to be the person you will become. So, if you fail, give yourself grace. No one is perfect. No one can be perfect. No matter how hard you try, there is no way that anyone in this universe can be perfect.
On the side of academics though, the most important thing I learned is to work with your professors. They want you to succeed. Communicate with them if you are gone for any reason. Ask for help if you are struggling. Do your work in a timely manner. Do as best as you can to complete it by deadlines. While grace will be given to you, as a respect thing try your best. Even as a senior, there were times when I was in a bind and needed help or an extension from a professor. Again, they want you to succeed. You just have to put in the work as well. Enjoy the next four years or more, because in some ways this could be the best part of your life.
Good luck and best wishes,
Brooke Lijewski ‘26