1. Pay attention to your move in day. It'll feel like a whirlwind but you will want to recall every detail of that first day whenever you're packing on your last day before you're moving out for the last time. 2. Begin to organize your life. You will need binders for all your classes with notebooks, and labeling a few things won't cause any harm. It'll be a good habit to form before you're a senior. (Which is when I feel like I've finally grasped a basic foundation of the concept of organization.)
3. Don't be afraid to socialize a bit more. It's ok to venture down the hall or another dorm and say "hello" to friends. Go on GDH lunch dates with your sorority sisters or the people in your class you hit it off with. Eventually you'll find your way around to being close to those people, but if you overcome your shyness, you'll befriend them sooner.
4. GO STUDY. I know it seems so freeing to not be in class eight hours a day or parents to tell you to go to bed at a particular time. However, you don't understand the extra amount of work these classes will require and that's why you have extra "free time". You'll also be thankful your sophomore year when you're not having to pull up your GPA.
5. Go to Broad Street UMC the first Sunday. I know you're fearing that no church will match your experience at your home church. However, you don't understand the DEEP impact these people will have on you, and how much they will be a part of your college experience. You'll basically be living at the church, so don't worry. Don't wait those first few weeks. Go. You have no idea. GO.
6. It's ok to make mistakes. You don't have to fear every little "bump" in the road because you'll learn. That's what they are for. Be kinder to yourself. It'll be ok. 7. You'll survive those feelings of loneliness that'll fill your first days. It doesn't feel like it right now, but don't worry - you'll find your people and your place. Before you know it PC will feel like home and you'll cry every time you have to leave. I know you're hurting a lot right now, and crying a lot. But that won't last forever.
8. Go take that Introduction to Christian Education class. That nudge is there for a reason you don't yet understand. However, one day you will. One day you'll answer that ministry call you're feeling.
9. Start exercising more, and eating the buffet line less. The balance will make you feel better emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
10. ENJOY those moments. Before you know it you'll find yourself almost at the finishing line and missing those beginning days. It's a great time where your only worry is classes and spending time with your new found friends. One day you'll be figuring out what you want your first job to be and applying to seminaries as your plan for a future. It's a stressful time, and you'll miss the more carefree beginning days.
11. Don't try to have it all figured out. I know you like plans and setting up those goals. However, don't limit yourself so much on this straight path towards that "dream" without leaving some room to learn. It's ok to take those electives that seem different, and your Gen. Eds are there to teach you about all the options. You'll wish later you had left a bit more room for exploration.
Before long you'll be wearing that cap and gown, and you'll wonder how was it that time passed so quickly from that first semester. You'll be missing it. But the future is very bright.
Sincerely,
Senior Rebecca
