New Beginnings

Dear Freshman,

This is your first year in college and for that I congratulate you, you have made it this far, now don't look back. Take a deep breath and applaud yourself because you've made it through all the college applications, SAT test and AP test and you survived high school. Now you are officially a golden eagle welcome to the family.

If you're like me you're excited but anxious about to fall out of your seat, you feel every emotion possible in your body that at the end you do not know how to feel. I'm not going to attempt to tell you what to do or not do because I firmly believe every individual learns from their own experiences. I simply wish to enlighten you on somethings I myself discovered in my first year of college.

My transition was difficult because I am first generation student which means I am the first in my family to attend a 4 year college. I knew the day I crossed the stage and my principal called my name that, that was the first of many of my accomplishments. My parents were very proud and so was I, I’ve never felt more empowered and unstoppable. Soon I realized that I was at a disadvantage by being the first in my family to go to college I had no guidance at home which meant I had to learn to deal with things at school on my own. This made me more independent and made me take everything more seriously. I learned to manage my time and sacrifice going out with my friends just to finish the essay I had due or finish that last math problem that was so difficult it made me cringe but satisfied when I knew I solved it and finished. I learned the importance of due dates, leaving my homework until the last minute was not an option because I deeply cherish my sleep. I learned to ask for help when I did not know what to do, I personally do not like being told what to do so I had to understand that it is only advice meant to help in order to improve.  

But please whatever you do, don't use the excuse of being a first generation student to give up on yourself. Please do not underestimate yourself. Please do not feel as if you are alone. Although the path may be tough you have all odd in your favor no one wants to witness your downfall, only desire your success. You have made it this far to doubt yourself, if you feel like you are in academic or nonacademic slump seek help, you're professors are always happy to help and there are also other alternatives such as the tutoring center that I myself discovered through a peer of mine and I could not be more grateful. That is one of many campus resources that is provided to students so don't be intimidated to seek out for help, when that is what they are intended for. I understand attending a new school is not only frightening but solitary. It's like starting all over, it’s  a new beginning but that does not mean that you are alone. Many students feel that way at first but sooner than later you will make friends, trust me. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with girls I knew from middle school but didn't really talk much, now were inseparable. If you are still having problems making friends you can consider joining a club or a sport but just know you are not alone.

Sincerely,

A Freshman