15 “Everyone Else Does NOT Have It Figured Out” with Marissa

Coming into college as a freshman is one of the most intimidating things that I have ever done, and it does not help that I started this journey off as an exploratory major. One thing that I wish I would have known in the beginning of the fall semester that I do know now is that no one has their life and major figured out or if some people do, they are the one in a million. You will hear it repeatedly, but most students in college will change their major at least once. It is more common for students to not have their degrees figured out. I wish I would have known I was not alone in this feeling because when you first meet everyone on campus, you tell them your name, where you’re from and what you are majoring in. You think everyone has it figured out, but they do not.

You will meet a lot of people in your first couple weeks at college. This can be intimidating, but the best advice I can give is to be yourself. Talk with confidence and be kind to everyone. Everyone you meet will not become your best friend, but they will become those people you wave at on the side of the street or those that you share a class with. Every freshman is in a rush to make friends and try to make campus feel more comfortable and at home, so do not worry about not making friends because you will find your group of people. I was able to make friends with the girls on my dorm floor, which made Bloomington feel like a home. To make it feel more at home, find spots on campus as well to connect with friends and with others.

My favorite spot-on campus is the Wells Library, the IMU, and my dorm’s lounge area. All these spaces are perfect for studying and spending time with my friends.

Name: Marissa Young

Hometown: Liberty, Indiana

Grad Year: 2027

Current Major: Pre-Business, Exploratory (Kelley)