What I Wish I Knew Four Years Ago

By: Val Reyes Editor-in-Chief

As I enter my senior year of college, I can’t help but think back to when I was a nervous, clueless, excited and stressed freshman starting a new chapter in my life. Throughout these four years, I’ve learned many things I wish I knew before I started this journey. So, here are a few things that might help you during your four years in college.

This is your time to break out of your bubble. Have you been wanting to change your sense of style? Try new things? Make new friends? Get involved as much as possible, join clubs, make friends with people in your classes, go to sporting events, attend events happening on campus, and talk to your instructors.

Now is the time to start making connections and friendships that can last a lifetime. This is the perfect time to learn and try new things—you might even find out a few new things about yourself.

As if choosing a college wasn’t stressful enough, there can be a lot of pressure when it comes to choosing a major. If you’re not confident in your major, that’s okay! Whether you lost interest in what you thought you wanted to study or have no idea what to study, now is your time to explore.

Research different career paths or take a few different courses. If you have to change your major two or three times to find what you’re passionate about, do what is best for you. I had no idea what I wanted to major in up until my junior year. Now, I enjoy what I do and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Before the University of St. Francis, I had the advantage of attending community college for about two and a half years. In community college, not only was I able to get my general education courses out of the way, but it also saved me money in tuition and living expenses.

According to www.forbes.com, “If you start at a two-year school, earning your general education credits or getting an associate’s degree and completing half the credits usually needed for a fouryear degree, you could save $10,000 or more, depending on where you attend school.” If possible, ask your advisor if you can take general education courses at a community college during the summer to help save, and you might even be able to graduate early.

Most importantly, take care of yourself throughout these four or more years. Look after your mental and physical health. Be sure to get rest, keep in touch with family and friends, and never be afraid to ask for help. Finally, make the most out of these exciting few years because in a blink of an eye, you’ll be graduating.