College: A Freshman Perspective

By Jessica Sotkovsky on September 26, 2015

As we settle into the hallowed halls of the Ohio State University, finally free from the question “So, what college are you going to?” and from hugging all those people (relatives, maybe?) at your graduation party, we begin to realize how different college really is than high school.

No longer given the luxuries of free education, or the benefit of the doubt from uninterested teachers, we now have to attend class, and complete assignments on our own accord! College is a scary thing; I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ran to the bathroom after class because I wasn’t sure if I had to raise my hand.

College is a new, tart taste on our undeveloped palates, as we make this transition from high school to college, from teenager to adult life.

It’s normal to feel nervous about university life, but here’s why you should be excited about it. Think of all the lasting friendships you’ll make, all the new people you’ll get the chance to meet.

College is a time where many people meet their lifelong best friends, or even their soulmate (if you’re into that stuff). Think of the infinite databases of knowledge you have at your very fingertips, of all the numerous classes you can take! You don’t realize it, but our horizons are expanding every time we attend those lectures.

Remember hearing those old-timers say that college was the best time of their life? Well, now it’s time for you to make those memories, that you will be telling to some youngin’ somewhere ages hence, about your incredible journey at Ohio State.

So, hang out with new people, take advantage of everything Ohio State has to offer (it comes out of your tuition!), and while you’re getting all that knowledge that will provide you with a launch pad for your success, remember to still find time for yourself and your personal needs.

If you’re feeling stressed out, which most of us are, there are always people and resources to help manage that and subside your fears. It’s totally normal to freak out a little, whether it’s about your bank account or your lack of sleep. But hey, thats where Ramen and coffee comes to the rescue.

There’s always an answer for your problems, so don’t get scared about something negligible. Chances are, someone else has already gone through it.

So, fellow freshman, and anybody else that finds this advice of use, let us enjoy these next few years of higher education. This is a time in which we walk our first mile in adult shoes, in which we grasp the threshold that is reality.

As Salvador Dali puts it, “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings”, and we don’t want to be wingless birds. So let Ohio State become your nest, grow your wings, and let the wind of higher knowledge take you to success.