Dear Freshman Me

What if you could go back in time and give your freshman-year self the advice that could change everything? As a senior at UNC Chapel Hill, that’s exactly what I wish I could do.

Hi everyone! I’m Laney Gragg,?a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, double majoring in?media and journalism and communication studies. I’m excited to start this journey and share a bit about my experiences, lessons, and what I’ve learned during my time in college.

As I reflect on my journey, it’s crazy to think how much I’ve grown since freshman year. College has been a whirlwind of experiences some amazing, and some very challenging but all of them have shaped me into who I am today. So, if I could go back and give my freshman-year self some advice, here’s what I would say:

1. Work Hard, But Don’t Overwork Yourself

Coming into college, I wanted to have?a perfect?GPA, join multiple clubs, and work, all while having a social life. And while all those things are important, I quickly learned that overworking yourself is not sustainable. There were times I would take on too many responsibilities, sacrificing my mental health and sleep just to stay on top of everything. Burnout is?real, and it’s okay to say no sometimes. Learning to balance work, school, and personal life is?key. Once you learn to say “no” and not get FOMO (fear of missing out), I promise you will be happier.?

2. Rejection Doesn’t Mean Failure

This was a tough lesson to learn. During my sophomore year, I was applying for internships left and right. I got some interviews, but for most, I never heard back. At the time, it felt like the end of the world. Most of my friends were getting internships, and looking on social media, it seemed like everyone was landing all of these?amazing?jobs. I thought I was a failure. I questioned my abilities and doubted myself. But looking back, I realize that rejection doesn’t define you. It’s a part of life, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead, it’s an opportunity to reflect, grow, and try again. That rejection pushed me to develop new skills, network more, and ultimately land better opportunities down the road. I applied for many internships during my junior year, taking what I had learned, and fortunately, I landed an awesome internship at?Red Moon Marketing .

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3. Build Genuine Connections

One of the most valuable parts of college is the people you meet along the way. From professors to classmates, these connections?can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.?The Hussman Journalism School has taught me that networking is an essential part of your early career. But it’s not just about networking; it’s about building genuine relationships. Take the time to get to know people, support?one another, and learn from each other. These connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

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4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness. But as I’ve progressed through college, I’ve realized it’s the opposite. Asking for help shows strength and self-awareness. Whether you’re struggling with coursework,?feeling overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, reaching out?for support is?important. Especially asking for help from your professors. Your professors are here to help you and teach you, nothing else. And if you feel otherwise, DROP THE CLASS.?

As I approach graduation, I’m grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned. College has been an incredible journey, and each experience has taught me something valuable. If I could give any advice to incoming freshmen, it would be to enjoy the ride because everything works out. Rejection isn’t the end, building?genuine connections will make all the difference, and asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak.

Thanks to Gary Kayye?? CTS , I will be blogging on LinkedIn throughout the fall semester for MEJO 577—The Branding of Me. Here’s to the final stretch of my college journey, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!

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— Laney Gragg