Don’t take my advice

If there is one thing you should not do in your lifetime, it’s listen to me. However, as my time here at USD winds to a close, it has me thinking about what I would have done differently. Underclassmen, please feel free to read, enjoy my silly blunders and refrain from doing anything of similarity in the future.

First and foremost, know that the first semester of college is going to be both one of the most fun and most depressing times in your life. You are experiencing your first taste of independence from home and it’s both an exhilarating and mentally exhausting feeling. You don’t have your parents or guardians to come home to and give you immediate support. Take time to lean on those you are closest to at school, like those who live in your hall or your roommate(s). I wish I had.

To continue, nothing is going to stop you from gaining the “freshman fifteen,” that is a fact. My advice? Who cares? Enjoy your freshman year meal plan, you’ll never get treated so good by food again.

For the love of all that is good, go to class. One time freshman year I slept through a class and missed a final exam. Iconic to say the least but what on Earth was I doing! Just go to class.

Now that I’m student teaching, I work the average 40+ hours a week and am rarely on campus. I miss it more than I thought I would. Go on walks around campus, walk through buildings you’ve never been in before and just enjoy being around a bunch of people who are just as confused in life as you.

Never shut up. If you know me you know I will never stop talking or sharing my opinions. Listen to others, process their thoughts and feelings and then share yours openly because it’s college and everyone is a mess.

Finally, try (emphasis on try) to be kind to those you see around you on campus. We’re all fighting our own personal battles! Whether it be heartbreak, mental stability or financial strain, we’re all experiencing adulthood for the first time and it’s hard! Go easy on yourself and each other.