My life changed with the start of college. No longer was there the quiet of my backyard; rather, there was the yelling of lacrosse players next to Halls and the constant clatter of skateboards on the pavement.
It wasn’t as easy to shut myself off from the rest of the world, so I stepped out of my bubble into a life of craziness along with many of the other freshman.
In your freshman year, your life is going to change, perhaps drastically, perhaps not. It all depends on your decisions and how you choose to live your life.
Whether you want to embrace the typical college experience or create a bubble in which you feel safe is up to you. But remember that any choice you make has its advantages and disadvantages.
For example, if you create a bubble you end up shutting yourself off from the rest of the world and inevitably you will end up feeling lonely and disconnected. However, there is safety in that lovely little bubble of yours.
On the other hand, when embracing the typical college lifestyle, you can make friends, try new activities such as rock climbing, get involved in your community and so on. And let’s be honest, you are likely to party.
With partying often comes mistakes, such as excessive alcohol consumption and getting in trouble with Campus Safety.
I personally did not get in trouble Campus Safety or drink too much during my freshman year, but I did become someone whom I didn’t want to be.
Although I cannot remember it, I have been told that I cried almost every day, due to feeling so discontent with my life. I tried closing myself off again when I realized that things needed to change and it did indeed make me feel safe. However, there was a constant feeling of disconnect and sadness as I was no longer part of anything.
Now I am in my sophomore year and I have found a balance. It came with making a lot of mistakes, but I now live my life feeling content and happy.
When I need to get work done, I do it. Yet I am comfortable stepping out of my bubble and spending nights laughing with friends, watching a movie with my floormates, going on Alpine Club trips, and so forth.
With this new-found balance I am able to have the simple life I once had and not live in either extreme.
You have a choice and there is going to be change whether you like it or not. The life you have been used to is pretty much over. Now it’s time to choose the path you want to take.
I advise freshmen to weigh the positives and negatives and work at finding balance in your lives. Take some time for yourself but also take some time to be with friends. This is college, have fun and remember that everything you do is your choice, so choose wisely.
