Dear incoming freshman in college,
I know, you’re terrified. I was too. Scared to leave home, my family, my boyfriend of three years. I know, you probably cry everyday like I did, and everything you do seems like it will be the last time, it’s not. Everything will always be waiting back at home for you. Sure, everyone tells you it’s going to be the “best time of your life” and you don’t understand how anyone could possibly enjoy this. Who wants to leave their family and friends behind? Who wants to watch their childhood friendships deteriorate? I promise, those things will not happen. You’ll make new friends, but they’ll never replace your home friends. Change is good, and it’s inevitable. Live in the now and understand that everything happens for a reason. There is a reason you’re doing this even though you don’t know that exact reason right now, one day you will. Find your new routine, keep yourself occupied, and call your family. As much as your mom says you need to go, she’s never been more worried about you but just doesn’t want to make you more scared by showing it. It will be overwhelming, you might hate your roommate, you might fail a test. It is all a learning experience. That’s what you’re there to do after all, learn. If you get there and still find yourself feeling misplaced and alone, seek help. There are plenty of resources, you just have to utilize them. People want to help you, that’s why it’s there. And the day you’re diagnosed with anxiety, you’ll feel relieved and free. The side effects of the medication will wear off and you’ll start to feel like yourself again. Find joy in the little things because after this, the real work starts. And when it’s all over you’re going to look back and wonder why you wasted all that time being so upset and resenting the opportunity you had to actually go away to college. You’ll feel thankful for all you overcame. Dear freshman year of college, I so don’t miss you, but I’m thankful for the learning and growing experience you gave me. You’re going to be okay, incoming college freshman.
Abbie's Blog 