from a sophomore
By Laura Frazier, Staff Commentary
It seems like only moments ago my parents drove around the bend on Willamette Boulevard and I saw the UP entryway stretch out before me, my entire life packed into the back of a car. I remember feeling my stomach drop and as wanting to cry.
As another school year begins, roughly 897 young adults just took that same turn around the corner. They walked onto campus, completely lost and entirely unsure of what the next year will bring. I wish I could run up to all freshmen, wrap them in a huge hug, and ensure them that everything will be OK.
But, as that would be seriously creepy and probably defeat the purpose of placating their fears, I will instead attempt to offer a few morsels of advice.
Don't waste any time! College is truly one of the most unique life experiences you can have and you are lucky to have it. You are now on your own and there is nothing to keep you from doing whatever you want. Seriously, now is the time to realize that mom and dad no longer have a grip on the pulse of your life. Don't take a second of this freedom for granted!
Jump right in to campus events and activities. Get involved in all of the grandeur of the UP community by going to movies in the Buckley Center Auditorium or exploring all the dorms to see how many people you can meet. Your dorm room is really only good for sleeping and possibly studying, if even that.
Branch out and go downtown with new friends. There is no point in waiting until you get settled on campus to get out there and start making your college story. Settling is for when you are married with children.
Your parents will survive without you, just as you will survive without them. Though it may seem like your mom will never stop crying after she drops you off, she will. Even when she calls you five minutes after final goodbyes, it's all just a reaction. Mom is just hanging on to the last shred of control she has over you.
At the same time, it is impossible to ignore your fear of no longer having mom and dad to save you. It's only natural that you are concerned- tasks like laundry can seem daunting. But they won't seem that way forever, and you don't have the choice of hiding from adulthood anyway.
Take your education seriously, but don't let it overwhelm everything great about college. Naturally you are here to ultimately earn a degree. (Notice I said earn a degree. Your grades will no longer just be handed to you.)
As everyone has told you, try to stay on top of the reading, turn in papers and so forth. But has anyone ever told you to not do the homework once or twice? Of course not! Until now, that is. Spontaneity is healthy! Coffee was God's gift to college students for pulling all-nighters to make up for your midnight run to get donuts when you have a test in the morning.
The memories you make with your friends will someday be equally if not more important to you as your GPA. In the real world, if you slack once or twice, your boss will fire you. But UP won't kick you out. Or so we hope. Take advantage of these beautiful years of ignoring responsibility. But neglect your work only in very, very small doses.
Build as many relationships as possible with your peers (you are all in this together), the upperclassmen (they are not that scary), and professors (asking for help tends to lead to more success). This may be the only time in your life that friends are so accessible, which is the beauty of living on campus.
Be friendly to everyone, and respect people for their individuality. It is no longer important who a person was in high school, and the term "clean slate" has never been more applicable. Make friends with people you may not have befriended when you were younger. Don't let the opportunity for a new relationship slip away.
As for as upperclassmen, they can prove to be very resourceful for you. They have cars and know the ropes. And they are not to be feared. Just stay out of the way when they walk past on sidewalks, and avoid eye contact at all costs. Oh, and don't go visit their houses. Ever. (Kidding!)
Also, professors are actually extremely approachable. Utilize office hours for help with assignments. Being more than just a face in a classroom is an achievable goal. Don't forget to get to know your RAs, Service and Justice Coordinators, Pastoral Residents and other UP community leaders.
Overall, be not afraid! Welcome to the best years of your life.
