Guys.
Yesterday, for the first time, I told someone out loud that I'm a senior.
A
SENIOR.
IN
COLLEGE.
I
feel like I should start getting discounts at places I shop or something.
Can't
even believe how fast college has gone, and now I'm starting my last year.
AAAGH.
It’s
been an incredible ride though. So glad I have another year!
Sometimes
I feel like I'm just a little kid..
My
friend is putting together a "BYU freshman survival guide" for her
kid brother and asked me to contribute, so here are all the thoughts that
swirled around in my head.
Things
to do for the full freshman experience:
Hike
the Y. at midnight.
Go
tunnel singing
Be a
maniac at a BYU game (I recommend Men’s Volleyball, football,
hockey, or basketball)
Roast
marshmallows or bake cookies on the lights of the bell towers (it’ll most likely taste terrible)
Eat
ice cream at the creamery
Get
a picture with Cosmo
Wear
a BYU shirt with pride
Go
to devotional in the Marriott Center
Eat
a BYU brownie and chocolate covered cinnamon gummy bears
Go
see divine comedy
Go on
a road trip
Here are some
"thoughts of wisdom" I've learned from 3 years at the Y:
1. The awesome thing about
college is the fact that there are no “popular kids”. There might be popular
groups in your ward, but for the most part, its just tons of awesome people at
one university. Use this time to figure out who you like to hang out with.
2. Everyone around you has a
story, and although everyone is from different places, we’re all connected
through the gospel. Use that to your advantage.
3. The “BYU bubble” is
something that DOES exist and you’re choosing to live in it. Be grateful you do!
4. You’ll make TONS of acquaintances,
lots of friends, and some lifetime friends. Be aware of which ones you are
forming and stay close to those people you love being around. You’ll have some
of these friends for life!
5. Discover who you are
outside of your parents; outside of people who are familiar to you. Be true to yourself and remember it's ok to be alone sometimes.
6. Keep an open mind. You’re
going into a school where there are thousands of people smarter than you.
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn anything
you want by qualified people who want
to teach you what they know. You’re paying for it, so you might as well!
7. BYU is about realizing
“why” you’re there, who “you” are, and learning how to “be” that person.
8.
It’s completely fine to call off socializing for a few nights to study or
go to bed at 8pm.
9. It’s also completely fine
to blow off homework for one night and stay out until 5am. Although you might
regret it the next day...
10.
Get your priorities straight. (refer to 8 and 9)
11. Make and DOCUMENT memories.
12. Can’t
stress this one enough - BYU is a great life, but it’s not real life.
13. The church heavily
subsidizes tuition because they see the value and potential you have to the
world. Be so grateful for that, and
be grateful that the church has such an active role in university life. You
have the opportunity to sit at the feet of apostles and prophets of God who
come to speak directly to you. How neat is that??
The first picture I ever took at BYU...
In a year I'll be updating this to include the LAST picture I take at BYU.
Wow.
Time flies. Live it up.
Love, Megs
