What I Want College Freshmen to Know

To my sisters entering college this fall,

A year ago at this time I was right where you are now. I was packing up my bedroom like a maniac, spending WAY too much money on school supplies and dorm essentials, and counting down the days until move-in. If you are anything like me, however, you know that a move like this is not all sunshine and rainbows. Of course, I was excited for the changes in store, but I was also terrified beyond belief. I worried that I was making the wrong decision, that I was moving too far away from home, that I wasn't ready to live on my own.

But the moment I got there, I realized that every moment spent worrying was completely and utterly unnecessary. Why? Because God will never lead you down a path that you aren't prepared to handle.

I may only have a year of college experience under my belt, but I know that last year, I would have given anything to have some words of loving encouragement from someone who had already been there. So, without further a do, here is what I want college freshmen to know.

Your college years will be some of the most challenging and joy-filled years of your life.

During Christmas break of my junior year of high school, I began hearing about what I like to call "college fever." My college friends spoke of nothing but the wonders of college... The freedom of living on your own... The late nights spent studying and drinking coffee with friends... The opportunity to delve deeper into your field of study and spend time with students and professors who love learning as much as you do... According to the "victims" of college fever, college was the best thing since sliced bread.

I admit that I was pretty skeptical at first, but once I got a taste of the college experience, I realized that much of what my college friends had shared was true. College is a beautiful time of discovery. You discover more about who you are, what you are most passionate about, and what you are capable of.

The one thing my college friends neglected to mention was how challenging life as a college student can be. The classwork is certainly more difficult to manage than in high school. Early morning classes and late nights studying make for some pretty exhausting days. Unless you are attending the same college as some of your high school friends, you will have to forge new friendships in a strange place. If you have a roommate, you will also have to learn to make compromises and resolve conflict. Sometimes, the stress and newness of it all can be incredibly overwhelming. But dear sister, do not fear. The joys of college life FAR outweigh the challenges and even when it feels like you can't manage, it is the challenging things in life that help us grow the most.

I would invite you to EMBRACE both the joys and the challenges of college life. Lean on God when the going gets tough. Enjoy the beauty of friendship, treasure the time spent studying the things that you love, and dare to try new things. Allow these new experiences to shape you and mold you into the young woman God created you to be.

Work hard, but love harder.

Some of the most beautiful moments of my freshman year took place when I set my books aside to spend time with other people. While you're in your dorm room or apartment, I would encourage you to leave the door open... You will have an abundance of new friends in no time at all! Schedule coffee dates with classmates, write notes of encouragement for other women on your floor, and strive to love every person you meet. Part of what makes the college experience meaningful is the unique relationships you form with other people. Study hard, but don't forget to love the brothers and sisters in your midst.

That goes for yourself, too! When you first get those syllabi bursting with deadlines, it will be very tempting to dedicate every hour of your day to reading textbooks and cranking out papers. But be sure to listen to your body and let yourself rest. If you enjoy reading, challenge yourself to set your textbooks aside and pick up a favorite novel. If your guilty pleasure is watching BBC period dramas on Netflix (guilty as charged!), pop yourself some popcorn and watch an episode or two. Take care of the vessel Our Father has so richly blessed you with. You won't regret it.

Make your relationship with Christ a number one priority.

It's not easy, that is absolutely certain. But never, EVER let your schoolwork and extracurricular activities interfere with time spent in the presence of God. Go to church, even when it's lonely. Those first few months, I struggled so much with finding a church to call my home away from home. It's hard to feel motivated about going to church when the pews are pretty much devoid of college students. But don't let that stop you. God will lead you to the right place... You simply need to rest in His plan and allow Him to guide you.

I hope and pray, dear sister, that these words provide guidance and direction as you enter this exciting new chapter of life. College truly is a wonderful experience and I have no doubt that God will use these next four years of your life in beautiful ways. All of my love and prayers as you begin your college journey. xx

#selfcare #faith #joy #college #challenges #seekingbeauty #lifesstorms #worry