1st Semester of College

COLLEGE! It has been so much fun, but it has also been one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. I moved a little over 1,000 miles and two time zones away from home so that I could go to my dream school. I am so extremely blessed to be studying here, but it wasn’t easy at first. Here are some things I’ve learned during my first semester that have guided me and helped me be a better and more productive person as well as changed my mentality for the better.

1. FRESHMAN FIFTEEN DOESN’T EXIST

When I first started, I was absolutely terrified of gaining a ton of weight. Gaining weight is not a bad thing, but the rumors of the “freshman fifteen” had me a little worried. I’ve struggled with a binge eating disorder for a lot of my life and I didn’t want things to escalate to a point where it would become a problem again. Here’s the thing- college is stressful. There will be times that you’re tempted to get a second bowl of ice cream, or choose the fried foods over the fresh ones BUT choosing to indulge every once in a while is not going to ruin your life. Maintaining a well balanced diet is honestly easier than expected, it’s just about making the right choices and nourishing your body.

A side note: My campus is so big I average way more than 10,000 steps a day, so I’m perfectly content with grabbing a cookie on my way out.

2. THINGS MOVE FAST

It is crazy to me how quickly things happen and change. Strangers I’ve met on move in day became my best friends within days of meeting each other. I’ve also built beef with others even faster. I will openly admit that people build bridges and burn them fast. It happens to everyone.

There are so many activities and things to do that time seriously flies. I’ve noticed that my days feel so short and my weeks even shorter. Balancing school, friendships, and clubs/activities take up a lot of time and keep you actively engaged for every second of everyday. This takes up a lot of energy, and I am tired all the time.

3. JOINING GREEK LIFE DOESN’T MATTER

You do not have to join a sorority or fraternity you’re first semester. There’s so much else to juggle, that adding Greek life on top of it (at least for me) would be hard to balance. If you’re scared of not meeting people or not being able to go to parties, don’t be. This year I am required to live in a dorm, so I have met so many people in the elevator and hallway that have become really good friends. I’ve also met people in frats/sororities that have taken me to tailgates/parties hosted by them- it’s safe to say you’re not missing out. If you put in just a little bit of effort, you will make plenty of friends.

4. THAT GUY DOESN’T CARE ABOUT YOU

This isn’t necessarily a fact, but more of a mindset I have learned to embrace. I hate hate HATE hookup culture with a PASSION and going to an SEC school definitely makes it worse. I was put through the ringer my first month with guys that completely lied about their intentions, ignored boundaries I set, or gave me false promises. If you’re like me, I wouldn’t recommend actively seeking out boys, because most of them only want one thing, and if you won’t give it to them someone else will. I am so glad that I valued genuine friendships with people over romantic endeavors because I have been able to build so many relationships with so many people that are way more valuable than any guy. As cheesy as it is, love finds you when you stop looking.

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