A letter to me

Dear Freshman Me,

Welcome to the next chapter of your life, and I assure you it won’t be the last time you hear this.

Once arriving on campus, you’re going to be consumed with endless possibilities, yet find yourself lost in where/how to begin. I’ll save you the time. There is no magic book or plan. Nobody with capable foresight is going to tell you what to major in, who to date, who to associate with, what club to join or how to manage your time.

I could tell you how the story unfolds — which major you choose, which girlfriend breaks your heart, which fraternity rejects you. But I can’t in good conscious deny you the mystery that captivates your college experience. Be assured your lowest moments of self-doubt and challenge will later be met with laughter and satisfaction. This is not to misconstrue that work, homework and relationships will come easy. They won’t.
College isn’t easy, and despite your attempts, no shortcuts abound. Many of your opportunities will be concealed in adversity. The success you find will be through perseverance and preparation.

Luckily, I know you, since, I am you. Therefore, I know you’re contemplating the temptation to throw away this letter and migrate to your Play Station. Before doing so, I ask a favor.

As mom, fighting tears, assists your move into the dorm, I ask you to give her a long hug. Make sure she understands your gratitude. Never be too embarrassed to ask your father for advice, too proud to tell your mother you love her or too busy to find time to tell your brother you appreciate him.

Secondly, before embarking on this four-year adventure, take a moment and reflect on your accomplishments. Don’t have any? You are personable, intelligent, well-liked amongst your friends, someone your family is proud of and attending a premiere institution. Come to think of it, who wouldn’t want those accomplishments? You will learn to be your biggest critic and biggest cheerleader.

Your first year away from high school friends and home cooked meals won’t be a seamless transition. You won’t admit it, but a dorm room bed and an obscure random roommate won’t equate to your envisioned dream living away from home. Fight the temptation to call high school friends after each house party, as the fear of letting go is only postponing your future.  

Remember why you’re here. Yes, it’s to have fun, socialize and make memories but also to obtain a great education. Setting a more mature future sets you up for success. Find the balance, and don’t be afraid to fail. Trust me, you’re going to, but your regrets will be in complacency, not failure.

The next four years are going to fly by. You’re going to go greek, meet lifelong friends, study abroad, run with the bulls, get dumped, fall in love, make the Dean’s list, dance awkwardly, continue making your family proud, land a job and somehow without recognition, even mature.  

At graduation you will probably think you will have defined goals, an understanding of yourself, a dream job, contentment with life, self-fulfillment and know what the “Real World” is. Unfortunately, these things amongst many others will remain an enigma. Accept your faults, embrace the future and don’t worry so much. You’re doing great.

Sincerely,
MBA Me

— jhollfel@indaina.edu
Follow columist John Hollfelder on Twitter @jhollfelder