As I finish my last semester in college, I have begun to reminisce about all the things I have learned and the people I have met over the years. These have been some of the most fulfilling yet hardest years of my life, and I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. I am extremely grateful for all the things I’ve been through, but there are a few things I wish I knew as a freshman.
1. Go to your professor’s office hours
As a freshman, I was too scared to go to my professors’ office hours because I didn’t want them thinking that I was dumb or incapable of understanding the material. This ultimately hurt me in the long run, because the topics would build off each other. On top of that, my other classes would build off each other as well. Therefore, if there was something that I didn’t understand in a class 1-2 years ago, I would start off struggling in my next class. What I have learned over the years is that your professors want to see you succeed and excel in your classes, so as soon as you feel lost, ask for help!
2. Take up any opportunity to help you grow professionally
Texas A&M offers many opportunities to help you grow professionally, such as hackathons, externships, research, Aggies Invent and more! As a freshman, this could give you a leg up when it comes to finding an internship. Most companies know freshmen may not have work experience, but they would love to see that you are being proactive with your time and resources. Even taking some time to learn how to code or working on personal projects could give you an advantage against someone who just goes to class and studies.
3. Make as many memories as possible
To say that time flew by would be an understatement. I have grown exponentially within myself and with others. The people I have met and the things I have experienced have changed me for the better. Always be sure to stay grateful for all the opportunities you will have in college, because it won’t be the same once you graduate. College sets you up for the future, so you should strive to better yourself now, when small mistakes aren’t as impactful compared to when you graduate. Overall, enjoy every day you can and always try to step out of your comfort zone to keep growing.
I have learned a lot about myself and others in these past few years. I have tried to make the most out of these past four years, and I am extremely grateful for everything that I have gone through. Being a freshman is rough at times, but what you do now could easily set you up for continued success throughout your college career.
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