+1 Tips and Tricks: College Edition
Gabby Barba 22’
“Something I wish I knew going into college is that change is necessary in growing as a person. I was always so nervous going to college because of being on my own, being far from home, and making new friends. I look back as a senior and I am so grateful for all the good AND bad changes because it made me stronger. I also I wish I knew that you’re not always going to marry your high school sweetheart. It’s OK to change it up, start new, and meet other people. Putting yourself out there is a great way to grow individually as a person.”
Tips and Tricks: College Edition
Noah Paradise 22’
“It’s okay to be uncomfortable and feel lost when you first get to college. Everyone is going into a new environment and it’s easy to feel like you’re the odd one out but it’s not true! Everyone is in the same boat. Join clubs, organizations, talk to people after class and put yourself in new environments. This sounds dumb but anyone you see could be your new best friend and you just don’t know them yet. I really didn’t like freshman year until my second semester when I started getting involved on campus. If you feel like you’re struggling, I promise it gets better and it will be the most fun time of your life so enjoy it.”
Tips and Tricks: College Edition
Frances Royer 22’
“It’s important to remember that things aren’t set in stone. I remember thinking that everything in college was so serious and I had to know exactly what I was doing at all times. It’s okay to change your mind. If you sign up for something whether it’s a club, greek life organization, or even your major, it’s normal to decide you might not want something you thought you did. College is all about changing, growing, and figuring out who you want to be.”
Tips and Tricks: College Edition
Ella Bond-Gledhill 22’
“Don’t let people’s posts on social media make you feel insecure if you don’t have a huge friend group right away! Going to college is hard and it’s completely normal if you don’t immediately find your best friends. It usually comes with time so try and stay patient and don’t beat yourself up if it takes you awhile to meet your people.”
Tips and Tricks: College Edition
David Hugo 22’
“I’d say the most important thing you can do as a freshman is go to as much as you can. If there’s an activity on campus or even in your dorm, try your best to go! Even if you’re nervous or you necessarily don’t want to attend something, at least try and show face. You never know who you’re going to meet. Everyone is just as eager as you to make friends and the only way you’re going to meet people is if you put yourself out there. The last thing I’ll say is live college to the fullest because these 4 years go by too fast.”
As my time at LMU comes to an end, I was reminiscing on what has been the greatest and hardest four years of my life. My freshman year self was so lost and insecure. I felt like I was never going to find my people or be able to fit in. I remember sitting in my dorm room alone on a Friday night, hoping my college experience wouldn’t be like this forever. Now, as a senior, I couldn’t be more grateful for all of memories—even the ones that hurt. I’ve learned that change is the only constant and more often than not, change is for the better. This college advice is something that I wish I had learned earlier. Take it from me, a graduating senior, that these years will be full of love, pain, laughter, and most importantly, growth.
