An Open Letter to My Freshman Self
Hey Chey,
College is scary and that is okay. You’re going to learn so much about who you are and how strong you can be. Nothing worth having is easy, and college is going to hammer this lesson home.
8 AM classes are not going to be easy any more. When you feel like you’re going to fall asleep, sit in the front of class. Cut down your caffeine consumption, that way you can use it when you really need it.
You are mentally ill, please make sure you are taking care of yourself. This is new information that a lot of other young adults are finding out too. You are not alone. Go to counseling services, talk to your doctor. Most of all, lean on your support system, they have your back.
Don’t expect things to fix themselves.
You are going to lose a lot of friendships, they don’t just reset. You will hurt people, and people will hurt you. Let them go, let them let you go. You both need to grow and move on.
One test score isn’t going to ruin anything, but please take the time to study in small increments. Cramming doesn’t work and you know that.
Stop procrastinating. Just get some work done, even if it is only an outline or some initial research. It’ll get easier once you have something to build on.
Ask for help. Say thank you. Tell yourself nice things. Don’t let doubt eat at you. You are strong and you will get through, even on days where all you can do is survive.
You made it this far and you will have so many amazing adventures in college.
Be good to others and be good to yourself.
Love,
Your older college self.
Tags: Motivation, Reflection, self care