What Would I Do If I Was An Incoming Freshman Again?

Well, for starters I wouldn't be afraid, that's for sure. After going through college there is really nothing to be afraid of or worried about. Of course you want to be as well behaved as you can and not get into trouble. That's a given. Also, don't be a jerk, because that's not cool. We are programmed from the time we are young (I would say the majority of us) to be scared, to be afraid, and to be worried. This causes us to not take risks. Let me tell you something I wish I knew long ago. Take strategic and well informed risks.

If I was an incoming freshman again I would have done a lot of things differently. Don't get me wrong, I had a great college experience. I loved it. But, I still would have done things differently. During my college tenure I had a close group of friends, I went to parties, I experimented with alcohol and with different female partners, I was involved in intramural sports, I was involved in clubs, and I was focused in the classroom. So what would I have done differently? Looking back, I would have been a little more bold and a little more confident. There were times when I wanted to befriend someone or ask someone out on a date and I just couldn't build up the courage to do it. My advice to you, build up the courage, do it. It builds character. Don't worry about rejection. As humans, we need rejection. Then, we can learn from it, get back up, and do it again more strategically. Looking back, I would have not stressed myself out so much in the classroom. I had a great GPA and graduated at the top of my class. It is so important to be great in the classroom and to learn as much as you can. But, do not do it to the point where it consumes you and you think it's the end of the world if you get a lower grade than expected on a homework assignment. Understand where you went wrong, what you need to do going forward and you will be just fine. Looking back, I do wish I spent more time getting involved with other groups that I could have befriended. I had a great group of friends but there were so many other groups I could have gained different perspectives from and they could have also gained new perspectives from me. If you aren't shy, this will be natural for you. If you are shy, keep telling yourself you can do it. Looking back, I would have stayed more on top of the future I would be entering. I would have better tried to understand general personal finances and all of those things life requires of you that no one teaches you. Maybe, I will do that in my next post. That's a great I idea, I will do that. I will post about all those Life 101 type items you should consider. Thanks for making me think!

You are going to embark upon a great journey. Enjoy it. Have fun. Take strategic and informed risks. That's the key. Never take an impulsive risk. That's just kookamunga (crazy). Be yourself, take chances.

Be Well, Stay Young.