I am 21 days into my final year at Oberlin and I have been reflecting a lot on what I would have told my freshman year self if I could go back in time. I do believe that all of the events that happened to me in college (including the good, the bad, and the ugly) have all helped shape me into who I am today, but it’s fun to look back!
Starting off strong for the conservatory kids: take every opportunity you can to perform!! One of my biggest regrets has been not auditioning or saying no to opportunities because I was nervous about the time commitment or didn’t feel like I was ready. Obviously, if you are to such a point of overwhelm that you have no time to take care of yourself or anything like that, it is important that you prioritize your well-being over performing. But I’m talking about when I had the capacity and time to perform but chose not to. As a voice major, I would go back and audition for every opera if I could - that’s why I’m here afterall!!!
Next: you don’t need to find your best friend right away. I was very much one of those freshmen who was so so nervous about making friends that I stuck with the first group I could find. The ideas about freshman year friend groups are true - I would say about 90% of them do not last. AND THAT IS OKAY! It is okay to have your friends ebb and flow as you figure out who you are and what you want. This isn’t me saying not to make friends - just keep in mind that it takes a couple months to really get to know someone.
Next: read the Campus Digest!!! I didn’t realize how much of a treasure trove the daily Campus Digest was until my second semester. It literally plans your hang out sessions for you. Some of the most fun I have had with my friends has been through free events put on by the college that I found out about through Campus Digest. Just last week I went on a date to the Allen Memorial Art Museum’s after-hours party where there were complimentary hor d'oeuvres, wine, arts and crafts, live jazz, and art galleries! (and guess where I found out about it…)
And last but not least: just remember, everything will be okay. I spent so much of my freshman year just crying because it was my first time being on my own and I had no idea what I was doing. But the reality is, YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR OWN! Every single freshman feels this way at some point. My friends and I were so scared to talk about our feelings until deep into first semester, and when we did we realized we all felt the same way. We had no idea and we all felt so alone. But I PROMISE everyone else is feeling the same way. Beyond friends, it’s important to know the many on-campus resources available; including, Student Health, Success Coaches, EF Tutors, and more!
Freshman year is a scary, confusing time, but it is important to remember why you’re here and what fun you will be able to experience!
