I am about to graduate college! Enter into the real world! Earn my own money! How much I have learned and matured since starting college is astounding. I am sure most graduating seniors would confirm this. Whenever I think about my freshman self, I think, “Oh honey, you have no clue.” I am sure four years from now, I will think the same thing about entering into the real world. There are 10 things I would tell my freshman self. These tips illustrate my experience at Auburn and what the Auburn family means to me.
Be Genuine
For the love of Toomer’s Corner, please be genuine. Never be anything but yourself. Be authentic and never change who you are to fit in the crowd. I am about to graduate, and I can wholeheartedly say that I am the same person as my freshman self. I have matured and grown, but I still have the same personality, beliefs and values. The Auburn family believes “in honesty and truthfulness, without which [they] cannot win the respect and confidence of their fellow men.”
Handle Fear
The ability to handle fear might be the number one advice to my freshman self. Of course, entering college can be nerve-racking and intimidating, but this is not what I am referring to in this case. I am referring to another kind of fear: anxiety. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses. I have experienced it myself. It was so traumatizing that I missed more than half of my sophomore year. Be mindful that situations will make you anxious, but it is how you handle and cope with those situations that will set the path straight. Seek help if you have any anxiety or mental health issues. The Auburn family believes “in a spirit that is not afraid.”
Be Open to Opportunities
If I have one regret as a senior graduate, it would be not exposing myself to more things. I have been very involved here at Auburn with Greek life, athletic recruiting and other clubs, but I could have attended more speaker series, free events and activities that Auburn hosted. I would tell my freshman self to be open to every opportunity. You never know what connection you could make or what you could learn. For example, I had to go to the Business Career Fair fall semester of my senior year for a class assignment, and I ended up making numerous connections and getting a job offer. Take a leap, do not be lazy and attend everything you can. The Auburn family is open to opportunities.
Do Not Get Caught Up in a Title
This is very easy to get caught up in, especially freshman year. A lot of students care about what club or organization they are in, how people perceive them and what letters they are wearing. I would tell my freshman self that this does not matter at all. It is about the real friends you make, not the title. There will be times that are challenging, but at the end of the day, who you are is way more important than what you are in at college. The Auburn family believes “in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with [their] God.”
Be Open to New Friendships
Speaking of friendliness, college is the time to create genuine friendships. I always tell myself it is not about the quantity, but the quality. I have established true friendships here at Auburn. Do not waste time making too many fake friends. Invest your time in people who lift you up and have your back. Acquaintances are fine to have, but real friendships are more important. The Auburn family believes “in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with [their] fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.”
Learn, Learn, Learn
What’s college without learning, right? When people hear the word “college,” their minds automatically think about partying, game days and good ‘ole’ fun. While that may be the case, college is also about learning, not only in class, but in your everyday routine. This is the first time you are living on your own, making your own schedule and experiencing independence. College is all about practicing for the real world. Why not learn as much as you can and benefit from that knowledge when you graduate? The Auburn family believes “in work, hard work.”
Go to Class
“It is college, you can sleep in.” I would be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every time I have heard this. I might sound “lame” saying this, but go to class! I promise it will be worth it in the end. The main reason you should go is because it prepares you for the real world. Waking up and going to class is the best way to practice for when you leave college. I would tell freshmen in general to always go to class, no matter what. I have done this throughout my time at college, and I have maintained a 3.9 GPA. I would not have that GPA if I skipped class. The Auburn family believes “in education, which gives [them] the knowledge to work wisely and trains [their] mind and hands to work skillfully.”
Use Your Resources
Auburn University and all other universities provide multiple resources for students. I recommend to use every resource available. This is something I have slacked on in college, and I regret it. These resources are great for checking your work, finding a career and answering any questions you may have. Ask your professors questions, go to office hours and be engaged in class. Doing these things will get you far in college. The Auburn family believes in utilizing what is exposed to you for the greater good.
Make Connections
It’s about the hands you shake, not the grades you make, right? Well, partly right – it is about both. College is a time to make genuine connections. These connections will open the door for endless opportunities. College is not a time to be timid and shy. It is a time to be confident and bold. Remember not to be hesitant about meeting new people – always go for it. The Auburn family believes in confidence.
Take Care of Yourself
Last, but not least, take care of yourself. Freshman 15, right? WRONG. Do not listen to the stereotypes portrayed about college students. Take care of yourself, go on a run around campus, work out and eat healthy. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel. Taking care of yourself gives you the strength and confidence to achieve your goals. The Auburn family believes “in a sound mind and a sound body.”
“And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.” – George Petrie