10 Pieces of Advice for the College Freshman

As I explained two blogs ago, coming to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid. Lots of times people ask me if it has been everything I'd hoped it would be. My answer is always yes—but many parts have surprised me too.

When we have a dream, we imagine it to be this shiny, perfect thing. I remember making Pinterest boards and stalking the Instagram pages of older girls I knew that went here. I crafted my expectations from the highlights they posted, but nothing I planned for holds a candle to reality.

Before move-in day, I wish I could go back in time and hand myself a small letter of advice to hold closely throughout the next four years. A written "pep talk," if you will. So, that’s what I’m going to share today: all the things that I’d tell my freshman year self as she entered college.

But really, these things apply to anyone. So whether you're on the cusp of freshman year, currently living it, somewhere in the middle, or nearing graduation day—this is for you. While some aspects of these are UNC-specific, they're for everyone.

1. College is really hard. No one likes to mention that part, but it's true. I've changed and grown more as a person in the first two years of college than I ever have before. You'll face a lot of fears and take a lot of leaps, but every inch you grow, the more "you" you'll become. And don't be surprised when things shape shift—everyone else is changing too. You'll shed a few things that aren't meant for you: people, parts of yourself—but that's just the growing pains. Learn to embrace it and to never hold a grudge. As my mom would say, "bitterness ain't pretty."
2. College is also the most fun I’ve ever had in my life (so far). You'll do random things with friends who feel like family at 1 am. You'll fall into passions that surprise you. You're in that blissful in-between part of life where you get maximum freedom, but you're not out in the "real world" quite yet. Don't take it for granted and don't wish it away.
3. College is a lot of learning as you go. Sometimes you won’t know the answer and you’ll have to make the choice anyway. Sometimes you’ll make the wrong move or feel a little lost. Sometimes you'll get an opportunity you may not feel 100% ready or qualified for—but you should say yes anyway. Every pro was once a beginner in their craft, and they didn't get there by allowing the I can't do that or Nope! Wrong person! thoughts to win. Have the courage to step into something new and scary. Your ability will surprise you.
4. Don't let imposter syndrome steal your confidence. There will always be someone more talented, outgoing, creative, better at public speaking, presenting, networking, writing, etc. than you. Coming to a rigorous college after working to be the best, when suddenly, you’re surrounded by the best, is a tough transition. It’s easy to allow that environment to shrink your confidence and make you doubt your right to be there—but don’t let it. You earned your spot, and you got this.
5. It's possible to love what you're studying. I'd even argue that if you don't, you should reevaluate your plans. I'm so thankful to have found an academic home in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. I am excited to learn. I am being taught by professors who are passionate about what they teach and encourage us to harness creativity. They see us as whole people, humans, instead of robotic students. I will never forget Gary Kayye?? CTS taking my Advertising Creative class out to dinner, or Patrick Davison hosting a viewing party of our final photojournalism projects, what he calls a “Patluck," at his own home.?
6. It’s okay to not know the answer. Whether you have no idea what you want to do with your life, or you’ve dreamt of one thing since you were 7, no one asked you to have all the answers except yourself. Take the pressure off. I was told once by a mentor to pay attention to three things: 1) what you love to do, 2) what you’re good at, and 3) the opportunities and open doors that are placed around you. Follow those things, and you'll be just fine.
7. You’re on no one’s timeline but your own. If your classmate gets a fancy internship their first college summer and you’re just planning on working at home, that’s okay. If your roommate has her whole life planned out in spreadsheets and you’re still an undecided major, that’s okay too. Once again, comparison will hold you back. Put your blinders on and just take it step by step.
8. Share your hobbies with others. What's that one hobby that not many people know you enjoy? What's an activity that's restful to you? For me, that was writing songs. In high school, I never shared that with anyone except my two close friends. But in college, it became my "fun fact." I tried playing at open mics. I started a songwriting circle. I joined songwriting classes and embraced my love for it. Soon enough, it became something people just knew about me, instead of something I hid from them. Maybe you love to paint, or play volleyball, or write poems, or design clothes. Find that niche community on campus that you fit into, and allow it to be your outlet. Embrace the unique parts of you and be proud of them!
9. Know your limits, and listen to them. Take rest days and don't feel bad about it. In a "hustle culture," it's easy to forget our own mortality. Centuries ago, people woke up with the sun and went to sleep with the sun. How did we go from there to normalizing 5 hours of sleep and a 7-day work week? We easily believe the lie that rest is the enemy, when in fact, it's exactly what fuels success. Your resume can be impressive without having to sacrifice your joy, and burn out doesn't have to be inevitable! It's better to give 100% to a few important things that you really care about instead of 20% to 7 things you're just doing to do. I'm not saying be lazy—have a strong work ethic and get the job done. But don't pack your schedule so tight that there's no time for the people or things you love. Don't just survive the week—live it!
10. You hear “college is the best four years of your life” about a million times at every graduation party. But remember that it’s just four years, and you have a whole life left to live. I know I just called it a "blissful" time you shouldn't wish away, and you shouldn't! But don't idolize this time. Make the most out of each moment, but believe that there are exciting days ahead too. Places to see. People to love. And every transition comes with its own portion of discomfort, but growth and good things always lie on the other side.?

I remember being a freshman and thinking, May 2025? That's so far away! But I blinked, and now it's 2024, and I'm a junior. Even though part of me wants to hold on tight and never let go, I know that there is so much to look forward to.

So, to any future Tar Heel, college freshman, or college student out there, keep pressing on. Keep working hard, go to those 7 a.m. or late night club meetings, but don’t lose yourself in the process. Look ahead to the next four years with excitement, or even back on them with gratitude, but don’t let fear or a lot of inevitable unknowns squash your joy.

You got this. We got this.