10 Things I Wish I Told my Freshman Year Self.

It's hard to process that in a few short weeks I will be a senior in college. Between COVID-19 abruptly halting the end of my senior year in high school and controlling the entirety of my freshman year at Miami, it feels like I have blinked and "the best years of my life" have almost ended before they have even begun. With that being said, I don't wish I would have done anything differently, but if I could give advice to the 18-year-old girl stepping into Oxford, Ohio for the first time, here's what I would tell her:

1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources available to you on campus, from tutoring and counseling services to academic advisors and career centers. Take advantage of them and don't hesitate to reach out when you need support.

2. Get involved on campus. Join clubs, attend events, and meet new people. You might find some of your best friends in the most unlikely places, so don't be shy to sign up for something that sounds interesting to you.

3. Take care of your physical and mental health. Make time for exercise, eat healthy foods, and prioritize sleep. You will thank yourself in the long run.

4. Don't be too hard on yourself. College can be challenging, and it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. One bad test score does not define you. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to grow and improve.

5. Manage your time wisely. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying or working on projects, it will only make it harder to be successful in the long run.

6. Explore different academic disciplines. Take classes in subjects that interest you, you know nothing about, or have conflicting feelings about. The most learning takes place in areas out of your comfort zone.

7. Don't be so fixated on what you are going to be for the rest of your life. It's okay to take your time and figure out what interests you and what you don't like as much. Many adults still don't know what they want to do even out of college — so don't put pressure on yourself to have it all figured out by the time you put your cap and gown on.

8. Be open to new experiences. Try new foods, travel to new places, and take on new challenges. College is a time for exploration and discovery.

9. Don't stress about things out of your control. Focus on only what you have power over, and not something completely out of your reach.

10. It's a cliche, but remember to have fun. These are the only four years of your life you will have with this much freedom and little responsibility (relatively speaking.) Soak up every single moment you have with the people you are around, you'll never be in this atmosphere with them again.

In conclusion, college is considered the best years of your life for many reasons. It's a time for exploration, personal growth, social connections, and creating lasting memories. While the transition to adulthood can be challenging, college provides a unique and exciting opportunity to discover who you are and what you want to do with your life. So, if you're currently in college or about to start college, make the most of this time and enjoy every moment, and hopefully some of these tips will help you along the way.