17 “Don’t Compare Yourself–Be Yourself!” with Lacy
What I wish I’d known in the fall?
There are several things I wish I’d known in the fall but I think the most important is that this next chapter of your life is your chance to start over and 100% be your authentic self. College is a time to explore what you like and don’t like and learn more about yourself. Don’t get wrapped up in what other people think about you. Going along with that, don’t compare yourself to those around you. They are most likely only showing you what they want you to see. At the end of the day, being yourself is going to get you the farthest in life and IU is so big you are bound to find your people.
How to make friends and get connected:
There are several ways to get involved with campus and make friends. I would say that the best place to start is to meet people on your floor. Getting to know people on your floor and in your dorm gives you a mini community within IU right off the bat. Meeting people on your floor also gives you people to go to welcome week events and the activity fair with. As lame as some of the welcome week events might seem, they are a great way to meet people and I think everyone should take advantage of them.
Not sure what you’re majoring in? Here’s my perspective…
It is totally okay to not know what you want to major in. The point of college is to explore all of your options and also get to know yourself as a person separate from your parents or siblings. Taking this time to explore what you like and don’t like as well as getting to know yourself better, will help you in the long run. You may have some ideas of what you want to major in but I encourage you to do some research about the majors you have in mind and see which one you think might be the best fit.
My favorite spot on campus is the IMU. I like to go here between classes and study, grab Starbucks or just explore the the building itself.
Final words of wisdom:
Be yourself, make the best out of every situation and take advantage of every opportunity presented to you.
Name: Lacy Carter
Hometown: Kensington, MD
Grad year: 2027
Current Major: Elementary Education (School of Education)