To Freshmen
Photo from WFU Students
If you’re reading this, find what you’re passionate about and get involved on campus.
Everything takes time! Your college experience may look different from the movies, your parents, or your friends. Don’t judge yourself based on other peoples college lifestyle! Give yourself time, and know it’s okay to not feel completely comfortable; college is hard and you’re doing great!<3
Just know that the hard times WILL pass!
Take a deep breath, it’s all going to be okay!
Smile at someone :)
Stop trying to be perfect. You already are. With friends, grades, clubs, sports - anything - as long as you are trying your best, you are good enough and perfect the way you are. Never let your intrinsic value be impacted by a result you deem as “not good enough” when you know you’ve done your best. Remember to celebrate the hard work you do and keep going!
Pay attention to who feels EASY and INTUITIVE to be around. Don’t waste your energy with the people you are constantly trying to impress, because if they don’t like you for who you are, then the friendship won’t grow.
Don’t take it personally when friendships don’t work out, some people just aren’t compatible, and it doesn’t mean that either of you is a bad person either.
Freshman year is a trial run, and EVERYbody makes mistakes, including you and those around you. Be gentle, be patient, be forgiving, be kind, and most importantly, be open to new things. New experiences, new victories, new people, new ideas, new shortcomings, new flaws, new fears, new pride, new grief, new nostalgia - it’s all normal.
Some people have a harder transition than others, and that’s okay, it’s normal. Everyone will be acting like everything is always okay, but remember that if you’re scared, sad, and lonely, you’re not alone.
Remember that just because you have left home, doesn’t mean your home is gone. You will go back. home is just a phone call away. Those who love you won’t forget you, and you carry their love and company in your heart wherever you go.
It’s okay to transfer!!! No, it doesn’t mean you failed, no it’s not awkward or cringy. If you don’t like Wake, it’s okay to leave! Don’t be scared to take that chance because you’ll only hurt yourself if you don’t enjoy it
If it all feels like too much, do ANYTHING. Taking care of your body and your mind is the most important thing to make sure you stay well.
Talk to your teachers! They want to see you succeed, that’s the beauty of a small school. Go to office hours, ask questions, engage, don’t skip class, do ur homework, and study. The tutoring centers for math and writing are also very useful
OPCD and CLASS are your best friends, I promise!
You WILL get sick and it’s going to suck but that’s just what being a freshman is. Everyone calls it the freshman plague. But you’ll be fine, just take Advil during the day and NyQuil at night (remember not to mix Tylenol and NyQuil tho!) Also if you drink emergen-C every morning it helps a ton with recovery and prevention!
Trust that you will find your people when you least expect it!
It’s okay to not know!! feeling uncertain about what you want to major in, who your friend group is, or where you see yourself in 5 years is so valid. In fact there are probably many other people who feel the same way. I thought I wanted to major in one subject and found myself changing my mind 2 years later. I was unsure who my close friends were and who would last as my friends through college. In fact, my friends group did change as I learned more about myself and them. Part of the amazing thing about being a freshman and starting your college experience is that you have 4 years to learn! Learn about yourself, things you love, who you want to be! Take this time of not knowing and let it help you. Asking questions is good (and encouraged), and changing your mind is definitely an option!! You got this :)
Sophmore Juniors and Seniors, Wake Forest
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Wake Forest on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Wake Forest students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
