February 02, 2022
As my fourth year in college progresses, I reflect on who I was in my senior year of high school. I was courageous, curious, and creative. I was filled with ambition, which led me to be who I am now. But there’s so much I wish I could’ve told myself, so now, I want to help current high school students by sharing three tips for transitioning into college.
Like most people who attended college, one of the first things I learned was to soak up time because it flies by quickly. While my college experience was different due to COVID-19 – it seems like the fast forward button was jammed – the four years come and go quickly for everyone, especially when you’re having fun and gaining a lot of experience. But through it all, being transparent, having an open mind, and creating an “I can/I am” mindset are what made my experience good, no matter how fast it went by.
Not everyone is an open book or a mind reader. The reality of college is: we’re still human, and we all have responsibilities. Life still goes on with those upcoming pressuring 11:59 p.m. deadlines filling up your schedule, the laundry overflowing your basket in the corner of your room, and the evolving friendships and relationships that need attention and your overall desire to do nothing and relax. Every 24 hours, there’s something to be done, and it’s about how you communicate those things that will help you in the long run – i.e., be transparent. No matter what stage you are in life, transparency, to some extent, will be necessary. This will look a lot like being transparent with yourself, your friends, and your family in college. It would also help if you were transparent with your professors and anyone assisting you in academia.
Transparency in academia is vital because you are working toward your future. Your professors and faculty advisors will be primary people in your corner, working to help you succeed, but they can only do so much if they don’t know what is going on. This means if you are feeling ill, are confused about something, or need some guidance, be as transparent as you can with those in your corner.
It’s also important to remember that everyone has experienced so much change with the ongoing pandemic and is still coping with it. Everyone has their own battle and to-do lists to complete. By being transparent, you are allowing yourself a chance to get help, as well as an opportunity to extend yourself and other people grace when needed.
So, as you transition from high school to college, remember that transparency will allow your journey to go so much easier.
Best believe you don’t want to go to college and shield yourself. Take a chance and try something new! Having an open mind can lead you to endless opportunities and memories. Take the time to understand yourself, what you want, and how trying new things can get you to where you aspire to be.
Having an open mind can lead you into new friendships, leadership roles, internships, and other engagement opportunities. But it would help if you gave yourself grace as the path to your goals may change. Not every journey is linear or the same as the next person. Trust your process and make the best of it by keeping an open mind.
3. I am / I can mindset Affirming yourself with simple statements beginning with “I am” and “I can” is a great way to get started. By doing this, you are taking action to develop a positive mindset. With that comes believing in yourself, being okay with being uncomfortable, and acknowledging that fear won’t hinder your growth. We tend to be anxious about new things, and when it passes, we realize it wasn’t as hard as we imagined. College will have many moments where you believe certain things are impossible, but you must affirm to yourself that you can do it, even if it takes a while.
There are so many tips and truths to prepare you for the transition that awaits, but hopefully, these three tips will help you begin your high school to college journey.
Written by Kennedy D. Walters, Spring 2022 Campus Ambassador
