Advice for College Freshman: Break Your Mirrors

Heading off to college will throw you off balance, whether or not you feel ready to leave home. Everything will be different and a lot of responsibility is now solely on your shoulders. Aside from meeting new people, there are three major players you need to acquaint yourself with, Fear, Courage and Gratitude.

Fear
Fear will often knock on your door freshman year. Just because fear shows up does not mean you are not ready for college life, or that there is something wrong with you. It's okay and perfectly normal to be scared down to your toes in a new situation. Fear shines a spotlight on what we don't know. Use it to motivate you to do your best and press forward rather than shrinking back. Keep your eyes wide open and plow through. Fear is not going away, especially if you have big goals. Get used to the feeling, and use it to your advantage.

Courage
Courage, unlike fear, may need a formal invitation if you want it to hang out with you at college. But once courage shows up, hold on tight. When you are challenged for what you believe, how you dress or for your choices, take your courage and stand strong. Little things will come up and you have to choose. You can be a wimp and let anyone and everyone dictate how you spend your time, or you can refuse to compromise and become who you are meant to be. It'll take courage to face your mistakes and it takes courage to work hard on assignments that you don't understand.

Gratitude
Gratitude likes to hide when the pressure is on, but she's worth searching for. When you start to feel overwhelmed with all the things you have to do, taking a moment to look for your gratitude can change the game. Remember that the education you are receiving is a gift, either directly from your parents or not, it is not something that should be taken for granted. Go ahead and whine, for a moment. You can even say, "It's not fair!" But the truth is you have a lot to be grateful for. Thank the teachers you've had in the past, thank your friends, your family or just be thankful to be alive and have the opportunities you do.

Finally, the best advice for freshman year I have ever heard is to "break your mirrors." That means instead of being self-absorbed and overly concerned about how you look, take more time building who you ARE. If you find yourself with free time, volunteer somewhere. Be a part of something outside yourself. This is a great cure for homesickness or depression, and it will put you touch with the pulse of the world around you.