So you’ve moved into your freshman dorm. You’re surrounded by new people, professors, classes and you’re in a completely new environment. You’re miles from home and your usual routine. Are you overwhelmed yet?

Well here’s the good news – every freshman on campus is probably experiencing the same exact feelings. I remember when I moved to college for the first time. It was overwhelming, new, and I wasn’t living with someone I knew very well. My roommate and I talked a lot and became friends fast. We had different groups of friends, but since we were in the same major our chemistry as roommates worked out well. I remember being afraid to speak up in class the first week because I didn’t want to be labeled as a “know it all”. However, I slowly eased into my life as a freshman. I went to dinner with a group of girls and we all became friends quickly since we all lived on the same floor. I explored different clubs and activities. I enjoyed my free time once classes were over and finally felt independent since I didn’t have the same schedule as I did in high school.

In my opinion, the best thing to do for yourself as you begin your college experience is to pick a club or activity that you’re truly passionate about; something that’s a “pick-me-up” each week, and something that you get to look forward to. I decided to volunteer as an English tutor for a “New Americans” class each week in order to help immigrants and new citizens learn English. It was a great experience and I was so thrilled to be away from campus for a few hours to help those in need. Volunteering was a great way to break up my week and it helped me refocus when I had a bad day or if I wanted to do something selfless for a little while.

As you probably heard in your high school graduation speeches, this is a new step in your life. That statement is completely true, so do yourself a favor and do something for you. Mold your college experience into your own and in four short years you’ll look back and smile because you did exactly what you wanted.

-Katie