Class Is Back In Session

So, I officially go back to school in 3 days (less by the time this is peer-reviewed and posted), and I figured what better way to end off the summer than to write a back-to-school blog. Don’t jump to any conclusions, this probably won’t be what you’re expecting. I’m not recapping my summer, or detailing what I’m excited for this upcoming semester. I will, however, continue to give my unsolicited advice – some things I wish someone told me when I was preparing to embark on my college journey, senior-year thoughts, words of comfort, etc.

For the person who’s starting their senior year of high school:

Congratulations, you’ve (almost) made it! Your hard work, dedication, and battle through the unknown has led you to the final year of scripted routines and homeroom. Senior year is unlike the rest. A year filled with lasts – your last HS football game, your last game on home field/court, your last homecoming/harvest ball/prom. Despite the sadness that surrounds the lasts you have a better sense of comfort and clarity when navigating your firsts – the nerves and excitement you felt before the 1st day, your first time with a new teacher, your first tryout, your first goal/basket/point scored. The anticipation you felt before these moments doesn’t seem as scary anymore, because you tried, failed, learned, succeeded, and conquered. So here’s a few pieces of advice before you start senior year.

Enjoy every last second and soak it all up. Visit your favorite teachers and don’t let them forget how much you appreciate them. Support your friends, show up for them, hug them, enjoy all the things with them. Don’t skip the game. Don’t skip your classes. Don’t skip out on the little things, because soon they won’t be so little. It’s your last year of high school, baby – give it all you’ve got!

For the incoming college freshman:

Are you excited??? Nervous? A bit of both? Hell, you probably know by now that I was far from enthusiastic about starting college. If you can relate, this first part is for you.Maybe you got rejected from your dream school, or maybe it’s something else, no matter the reason, though, give it a shot. Don’t half-ass your way through fall semester, wishing you were somewhere else. College will only be as abundant as you make it. And hey, if you still hate it 6 months down the line, then you can proudly say you tried, right?

If you’re like my sister, eager to start school and be immersed in a new setting, or you fall anywhere in between, this part is for you. Try the club, knock on your suite-mate/neighbor’s door, study hard, stay up until 1am laughing with your roommate(s), go out, go to the game, try the workout class, stay for office hours – do it all. Anyone older than you can tell you how overwhelming freshman year can be, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing. Nobody has it figured out. Most of us are winging it, despite what we share on insta or tell our parents over the phone. It may appear that we know what we’re doing, but the reality is that each year (scratch that, *each semester) we are adapting – adapting to new professors, environments, personalities, conflicts. When you hit a roadblock, or you feel lost, remind yourself of how capable you are. Nobody is here to hold your hand anymore, so make sure you are your biggest cheerleader. 

Be authentic. If you want the sense of community you had throughout primary, middle, and high school, you need to be real and raw – that’s how you attract your tribe. If you’re eager to join greek life, DO IT, but don’t ever shape yourself into someone else’s perception of you. If you’ve always wanted to pick up a new sport, skill, or hobby, TRY IT, and have the courage to continue when you receive criticism. These next 4 years of your life are intended to be for discovery and growth. You will fail, but failing will teach you grit. You will feel uncertain, but the uncertainty will uncover your drive and passion. You will miss home, but the distance will allow you to practice gratitude. If you want something, GET IT, and don’t stop until you get there. Sure, it will be difficult, but if you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.

For the transfer student:

You’ve been here before (kinda) and you can do it again. I hope you find the utmost happiness and fulfillment in your new environment. I hope this time around you can approach tough situations with ease, and that you can finally call this place “home.” I don’t have much advice from a been-there-done-that standpoint, but here’s what I’d say if you feel like an outsider in an established community. We’re all “the new person” at some point. Whether you transferred to a new school, moved to a new state, joined a new chapter, or anything in between, we’ve all been on the outside looking in. The thing is, most of it is in our head. Yes, people have established themselves and made friends and formed groups, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a spot at the table for you too. It is never too late for a fresh start, and you were brave enough to recognize that. You came, you saw, you left, you tried again. Your perseverance is admirable.

For the one who’s dreading back-to-school:

I’m sure your parents have told you to be more optimistic or that “it will be fine,” but that’s not the point, right? The point is you’d rather be anywhere else except for where you are. If going back is hard because you don’t fit in, know that’s a lie that your brain is feeding you. Your thoughts can be your own worst enemy. If you hate going out and you go to a “party school,” you and I both know there’s plenty of alternatives. Keep engaging in small talk, and saying hello to the kid sitting next to you – who knows they might turn out to be your best friend (shout out Sab). If the reason you dread school is because it’s hard and you just don’t want to do the work, I feel you. There are days I want to lay in bed and not lift a finger, but that’s not life. Motivation or not, find the strength to finish your task. Maybe (likely) it’s a bs, busy-work, time-waster assignment, but view it like this: how do you expect to do the big things if you can’t complete the small ones (read Make Your Bed for more insightful topics)? Something that helps me is making it a little game – the faster I get it done, the faster I can play. Work hard, play hard is the motto we’re going for here.

For the person who hates leaving but loves arriving:

Same. It’s gotten a little easier to leave home, but I just have such a difficult time with good-byes. This sounds so dramatic now that it’s typed out, so let me clarify. It’s technically not a “goodbye,” it’s a “see you soon,” but still, I freaking hate packing up the car knowing damn well I won’––t see my family (winston included) for a few months. The thing that keeps me going (besides knowing I’ll be back soon) is arriving at my second home. Yeah, leaving is hard, but there’s nothing like a good-ol reunion hug with your college friends. Seeing the time gradually get closer to my ETA makes me giddy. Suddenly, the anxiety turns to excitement, and I’m back in my element.

For the ones approaching their last back-to-school:

You’ve been in school for roughly 80% of your life, and this is your last year (not considering grad school and beyond). I’m not there yet, but many of you are. I can only imagine how bittersweet this year will feel, and if you read the high school senior section, you can probably resonate with it being a year full of lasts. The main difference, though, is you’re off to the real world soon. I feel like there’s a nervous rep surrounding college graduation, which makes complete sense, but why? Look how far you’ve come – all the accomplishments you’ve had, goals you’ve reached, challenges you’ve overcome, and dreams you pursued. You may be nervous for what the future holds, but just know that whatever life tosses at you, you’re ready. Earning a big-girl (or boy) salary. Ready. Paying your own bills. Ready. Entering corporate America. Ready. Becoming a nurse, teacher, engineer, lawyer, doctor, broadcaster, intern, manager, entrepreneur. Ready. The big things will always seem daunting the first time round, so do it scared. Do it scared because it will give you the confidence to keep trying in the future. I’m so freaking proud of you (yes, you.)!!!! Cheers to senior year, make it a good one ;)

Whatever stage you’re in right now, enjoy it. That’s one thing I wish I could tell my younger self – stop waiting to enjoy life. Treat everyday like it’s your last. Not to sound morbid hahaha, just make everything you do count. It all means something, right?

Be back soon xx,

EC