It’s hard to believe I’m nearing the end of my time at Texas A&M University. Time really does fly! My college years have been extremely formative in shaping who I am via experiences and some truly stellar human beings. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. They say that hindsight is 20/20, and in looking back to my freshman and sophomore years, I’ve pinpointed some things that really helped me make the most out of my college experience. And now as a senior, I’m recognizing new challenges and nuances to the transition out of college that I’m confident most upperclassmen experience at some point.
TO THE UNDERCLASSMEN:
Wide-eyed freshmen, this is an open letter to you.
1. Invest in your passions
Whatever you choose to invest in—invest in it fully. It’s better to find two or three things to completely immerse yourself in than overwhelm yourself with tons of organizations and obligations. If you’re the classic “overcommitted and under-rested” freshman (as many of us were) then you’ve probably heard someone tell you some version of this. But—I PROMISE—you will feel more balanced, purposeful, and impactful if you focus your attention on a couple of things that you’re passionate about than trying to do it all.
2. Find your people
I seriously cannot stress this one enough! Take time to seek out good people to surround yourself with and DON’T settle. For the first couple of semesters, your friends might seem seasonal or rotational, but relationships will become more solidified over time. College friends are some of the friends you’ll likely take with you for the rest of your life. Choose them wisely.
2. Enjoy the little moments
Finally, appreciate the little moments that might seem insignificant. College is a weird and wonderful place, and if you’re not careful, you may take many of the really wonderful parts for granted! It’s really the only season of life with the freedom and capability for things like midnight taco runs, spontaneous road trips, and living with all of your best friends. Not to mention, you’ll never be in a place again where you’re surrounded by so many people who can so readily relate to you. College is like an incubator for people ages 18-22 to figure out what the heck they want to do with their lives and who they want to be. While your journeys may look different, having the opportunity to learn from so many others who are largely seeking the same things is priceless.
Check back in August to see part two of Abbey’s post – addressed directly to her fellow upperclassmen. Interested in following Abbey’s advice to find your tribe in a student organization or two? Follow the button below to look at student organizations both across the College of Engineering, and some specific to your major.
View Student Organizations Collegewide
