Coming into college, I had this big expectation of who I wanted to be by the end of the year. I even remember writing it down: “I want to be that girl.” Put together, lots of friends, perfect grades. I knew nobody was truly perfect, but I felt like I needed to be. I wanted to be the perfect college student.
Now that the end of the year is here, it’s funny reflecting on how much my values and goals have changed. My definition of “perfect” has shifted a lot. August 2024 me was filled with uncertainty, anxiety and overwhelming feelings. Shout out to Doane’s counseling services, because they really helped me find more realistic goals that actually lead to happiness.
As a freshman, I expected college classes and professors to be really hard and full of busywork, but I appreciate how kind and genuinely helpful the teachers are here. I wish I had math teachers like the ones I have now back in high school; I probably would’ve gotten an A so fast. I’m truly grateful for all the teachers, advisors and mentors I’ve had this year. Without them, I would’ve been a hot mess.
Another goal I had was to get involved in different clubs. I wanted to find a place where I could fit in. Being a newspaper writer has been an amazing opportunity and the highlight of my year. It pushed me to attend events I wouldn’t have gone to otherwise, and to talk to new people. It gave me a sense of boldness. Honestly, most people enjoy talking; it was intriguing hearing their stories and ideas.
If I could do some things differently, I wish I had talked to more people and built more friendships. I also wish I had lived in the moment a bit more. Of course, college takes a lot of focus, especially for classes, but I did make big improvements, like working on my procrastination, which was a huge step up from high school. Learning to prioritize myself and advocate for my needs was another big achievement.
I’m excited to be a sophomore. I feel like I’ll be starting the year with a strong foundation. I’ll learn to enjoy the college experience more, whatever it brings, good or bad. I’m just really grateful for a pretty good year.
