Where has the time gone? It feels like it was literally yesterday I was planning out my picnics, beach days, and vacation for the summer. I can’t complain because I had an amazing summer. I went on a family trip to Punta Cana, and then on a very relaxing trip to Cartagena. I got to hang out with people I love, visit South America for the first time, learn more about a new country’s history and people, and try a lot of amazing food! I also got to experience a full Chicago summer and do things I’ve wanted to do like kayaking on the river, going to a jazz club, and visiting some museums. I still have so many things I haven’t done yet on my list (including a lot of different coffee shops, bakeries, and botanical garden visits), yet fall is rapidly approaching. And for many of you, that means heading back to school. Though you may not be thrilled about the coming assignments, exams, and long nights at the library, look at this new school year as a new chapter. Look at it as an opportunity to work hard towards your goals, experience new things, and meet new people. Hit the ground running and work hard from the very first day so that you don’t spend the rest of the semester trying to catch up. When you fall down, get yourself back up- that is the only way to ensure your success.
Now, I want to take some time to address the incoming freshmen headed to college. Over the past few days, my Snapchat memories have been reminding me of how I was preparing to head to college, already 6 years ago (that’s crazy!). I remember the anticipation of moving to a different country and being on my own for the first time. I remember the excitement of shopping for my dorm room and for clothes and boots for my very first winter (I had lived in Haiti my whole life until then). I also remember how sad I was the day my parents dropped me off at school and headed home, and all the questions that circled my head, such as: “Will I make any friends?” “Will my major be too hard?” “Will my professors be mean?” This time can be very stressful as you anticipate what the next 4 years will look like. But try not to overwhelm yourself or push for everything to be perfect from the start. Take it day by day and understand that there will be bumps along your road. But as long as you learn along the way, and get back up when you trip and fall over those bumps, this is going to be an incredible and beautiful journey for you. I’ll leave you with a few tips here that I picked up on my own journey:
Living with roommates for the first time can be challenging. If something bothers you, have a conversation about it, but always remain respectful.
Communal bathrooms are dirty- don’t forget your shower shoes!
If you’ve declared a major, make sure that you understand your graduating requirements and take the appropriate courses. A single semester of taking the wrong classes could delay your graduation.
Find used books or a pdf version online for your classes to save some money.
Start going to your professors’ office hours from day one. Ask course related questions, but also inquire about their work and research outside of the classroom.
Go to class and take good notes- not just the first week, but every week.
Join a few clubs.
Be open to approaching and having conversations with strangers. If your experience is anything like mine, you won’t know a single soul at your new school, so try to be outgoing to make friends.
Always be careful when you are at a party. Never leave your drink unattended, plan to have a buddy for the night, and always make sure your phone is charged before you leave
Give yourself room and grace to make mistakes.
Bonus: Have an amazing time!!
Remember, you got this! I believe in you. All you have to do is believe that you can do it too!
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