4 “Things Don’t Always Go The Way You Expect It And That’s Okay” with Alexa
What I wish I would have known when I started the fall semester that I know now–things don’t always go your way but that’s okay. All of high school and before, I’ve always considered myself to be an extroverted person and typically had a lot of friends. Coming into college I didn’t realize that it would actually take time and a lot of effort to create these new friendships. For a while I was frustrated, because I hadn’t found my people yet. But as time went on things got better, and I found my people.
Besides making friends and getting involved in college, I think that it is important to stay connected to your friends and family back home. Keeping my home friendships strong by texting my friends and just asking how they’re doing, it doesn’t take much time and it makes it super fun and exciting when you visit home for thanksgiving and winter break and see them.
My favorite place on campus is probably the Luddy building, or at least where I am the most. I enjoy going there to study and do work, especially because it’s a very close walk from my dorm. Right around the corner-ish of the Luddy building there is a patio elevated up from the sidewalk with a few benches and tables. When the weather was nice during fall I liked to go here to do work because it is very pretty with the leaves falling and the color changing trees. Leaving your dorm to get your homework done is important, you’ll focus better.
Not sure what you are majoring in? Here’s my perspective on it–I think going in undecided is one of the best choices I made while applying to college. Most students in college do change their major so applying undecided is basically just avoiding having to change my major. I would say you should take classes surrounding your possible majors and just see which content you like the best.
Final words of cheer–college is fun, and if it’s not fun yet, it will become fun. Basically the longer you’re here things will progressively get better so hold out and enjoy the transition from high school to college. Don’t forget to keep mental health as a priority and do things that make you happy. When you are happy you’re going to be more motivated to try hard in classes and enjoy hanging out with friends. For example I try to go to the gym almost everyday or at least 4 times a week because overall body wellness promotes good mental health which will contribute to how much effort you put into your classes.
Name: Alexa Grief
Hometown: Northbrook, Illinois
Grad Date: 2027
Current Major: Deciding between Informatics and Cyber Security and Global Policy (Luddy)