You made it through senior year of high school. You have narrowed down where you are attending college, made it past SATs and ACTs, and graduated... however this is only the beginning.
After being in college for four years, I have learned a lot of lessons, both good and bad. As many people have mentioned, I would go back and reconsider past decisions and do over certain parts of my endeavors as an undergrad (classes, choosing a major, etc.).
As a freshman, don't be rash with what you want to do in terms of a major. I started off my college career wanting to be an art/music therapist for children. However, I also wanted to research genetic or mitochondrial disorders. This made things very interesting for me when deciding what I wanted to major in.
So I took the introductory level classes for both psychology and biology and quickly found some of the courses were going to be challenging but worth it to pass in order to take more interesting courses. I learned this quickly after taking Data Analysis for Behavioral Sciences as a freshman. I didn't understand why we were learning statistics, especially by hand. But after taking more classes in biology and psychology, it became apparent why this was class was important before taking other classes, such as Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience (the most interesting/engaging classes that I have taken in the psychology discipline). Also, many people in biology majors are intimidated by the thought of taking chemistry and physics - but you can get through them. This holds true to other majors as well.
Also, my career interests have changed over the years. Since I was a freshman in high school, my dream careers have changed - I have wanted to be a journalist, a tattoo artist, a nurse, a teacher, art/music therapist, geneticist, research scientist, writer, and an environmental health specialist.
Another important thing is to not lose your passion for whatever it is that you love to do. I have spent the last four years focusing my energies on school that it was not until I started writing again for my Public Relations work-study that my interest in writing was rekindled. Same with drawing, which was something I never thought would benefit me in the sciences, yet my mentor told me from the beginning that I could use my creative talents in my future career in science (writing and illustration). So, keep your passion for your sport, making videos, photography, music, whatever it is you do!
Also, take advantage of getting to know a professor or two, especially in your major/discipline. My first mentor that I have had since freshman has been there for me since day one and has given me opportunities - including being asked to help with research, finding a work-study opportunity that intertwined my interests/skills, and encouragement when I had my first internship. With this, listen to those who are your mentors (in and out of school) that mentor and look out for you. One of my mentors has given me advice on many occasions, and one of the recent challenges I had wouldn't have happened if I heeded her advice.
With this, enjoy your undergraduate career. This is the time in your life you will find yourself and will do a lot of growing up. You will have friends that come and go, as will many people throughout your life. You will have late nights, stress, and fun opportunities that you will remember the rest of your life!
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