Year One

My post today is actually a facebook letter I wrote my 18 year old cousin the week before she started her first year of university. I have to be honest, for some reason I really like this letter. Maybe it's the nostalgia is inspires, maybe its because it lets me believe I've learned something in grad school besides how to gut three books per day. So here it is, my views on year one. 

Hey Kiddo,

To be 18 again, your pictures always look so fun.

I just thought I'd check in and see how you are since its almost labour day, which means you are starting university soon. Scared? Nervous? Excited? I was definitely all three, if not more, when mom and dad dropped me off in Halifax. Let the emotions come, ride them out, you'll be better for it since you can't deny them forever. You'll cry and be home sick sometime in the first few months, question if this is really what you want. It's completely normal, go for a run, you'll get over it. 

Don't freak out when you get syllabi and hear expectations the first day, never lie awake worrying about how much has to be done between now and whenever. You will get it done because it has to be done, just take it one thing at a time. You will fall behind in readings, everyone will tell you not to, but you will. Pretty soon you'll get the hang of it. 

The first wave of marks might not be glorious, don't worry because they mean very little in the end. Sometimes, a C helps to make you a stronger person and student. I'll be the first to admit they put a fire under your ass and also suggest this might not be the right area for you.

People will tell you to enjoy these days because you will never have it so good again. I am not going to support that idea because it's the worst attitude to have about growing up. Instead I am going to tell you to enjoy every stage and experience you are going to have in the next 4-5 years, then to have the same attitude about what comes after.  That said, what's coming certainly is unique and you stand yo learn as much about life, people and yourself as you do about french, biology, and history. But never lament or regret the passing of time, you will only become pessimistic . On that note, never be afraid to try or learn something new. Meet a vegan friend? Give it a try! I gave it up after learning that bailey's and ice cream is immoral... You find the history of jazz interesting? Go for it. You get the picture. 

The first week is wild so good luck and have fun.