Senior Perspective: Everything I Wish I’d Known About College

When I first entered my freshman year of undergrad, I didn’t understand where I fit in and what opportunities were there for me. I knew it was a good school for my major, and that’s about it. It took me years to understand the ins and outs of college, so as I start my last semester as a senior, I’ve come to realize all of the important details that I wish I could’ve told myself entering my freshman year.

Appreciate what your school is known for.

If your school is known for its football team, theater program, or anything of the sort, go check it out. It’s amazing to witness the raw talent of students at a young age. You may really enjoy it and continue to go back afterward.

Start interning early.

It’s definitely worth it to start interning freshman or sophomore year. Experience early on in your college career will pay off when you start looking for internships going into junior or senior year.

You can still join other on campus organizations while being a college athlete.

At times it will be hard to balance, but it’s great meeting people outside of your sports team, or even the sports department. It’s possible to commit 100 percent of yourself to both organizations, and you’ll learn so much about yourself and what you’re passionate about by exploring more than just one option.

Take unusual classes. You may be surprised.

I took an Animal Advocacy and Outreach class as a journalism major, and it was eye opening. Some classes may seem a little strange and not something you would generally lean towards, but it’s good to go out of your comfort zone and take a risk on something that seems unusual.

Go to as many conferences as you can.

Forbes 30 Under 30 and Her Campus are just two conferences out there, but there’s a wide variety of conferences college students can attend in their area. This is great for those who are still looking for a career path since the conferences are broken down into a wide variety of interests. It covers so many different career options and you’ll begin to find out what you’re interested in and what you can go without.

Study abroad. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

Take a chance to see the world and explore. There won’t be many times that you get to do it again, especially for a whole semester.

Get a mentor.

I found my mentor my sophomore year, and she really helped me get on track with what I want to do and how I can get there. Even things like registering for classes or making tweaks to your resume, it’s great to have someone guide you and help you out when you need a little boost.

These four years will truly be the best time of your life. You are your own person and have so many positive things to look forward to. Take chances and go out of your comfort zone. Appreciate college for all of the opportunities you will receive and the social privileges you’ll get to experience.