Dear High School Self

By Maria Dillman

Dear High School Self,

From: me

To: me

Dear Maria,

I know exactly what you’re thinking (Ha, I wonder why). It’s your senior year of high school, and you are so excited to go off to college. No parents, no curfew, no problems. Well, you’re right; college is probably one of the best experiences of your life. The memories, friendships and experiences over the next four years will stick with you for the rest of your life. But there’s something important that I wish I would have known three years ago: the experiences, memories and moments that are happening right now will never be given back. Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Enjoy life. I know it may seem petty or childish to go to classes all day (yes I know, Chem class is such a drag), have to be home by midnight and have to eat dinner with the Rents. But looking back, I am so thankful for that season in my…uh our life. Usually life happens for a reason. Those early nights when I had to be home made me able to function the next morning. Going to classes on a standard schedule gave me more time to be with friends, and I learned valuable things that I would need to know in college. And eating meals with the fam gave me time with Mom, so she could teach me how to make a mean batch of lasagna. It prepared me for the rest of my life and allowed me to appreciate it for years after. So spend time with friends, go to the football games, dance like no one’s watching at the Homecoming dance, do your homework, give all you got in gym class and make the most of it. It’ll be gone before you know it.

Yours,

Me

P.S : Don’t speed on the way home from track practice…otherwise you may have a ticket coming your way.

baylorcollege

College Versus High School

By Shannon Sandridge

In some ways, college is exactly like high school. Some classes will be crazy hard, some will be engaging and some will just not be your thing. You’ll still have tests, papers and exams and trouble keeping your eyes open in that one class. There will be that one kid who gets on your nerves, and you’ll feel alone in a crowd every now and again.

Eventually, you’ll get into a routine, and it’ll all feel normal. (I’ve yet to feel monotony, but I’m sure it’ll come with these four years ahead of me.) You’ll figure out the best places to eat and the best things to do on the weekends. You’ll find a group of friends or even several groups of friends, and you’ll get to know each other better than you ever expected.

Birthdays

Don’t worry, we still celebrate birthdays in college, at least with the cool professors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But then again, college is completely different from high school.

You live within walking distance of all your new friends. You eat at the same places, and you attend the same events. You’ll meet and get close to some very diverse and overall awesome people, but you’ll miss the familiarity of your best friends back home and the people who took care of you when you were sick.

Outdoor Classroom

My professor opening with a prayer before our outdoor class.

The teachers have so much autonomy; they create their own curriculum, hold class outside, let you bring food to class and occasionally open in prayer. Almost all of them have doctoral degrees in their fields, so they actually know what they’re talking about.

It’s up to you to manage your time. If you’re like me and want to do everything, you’re going to be super busy. Along with friends, meetings and community service, you somehow have to fit in time for school. No matter what you do, college is busy. While it’s hard sometimes, it’s also a lot of fun, and all the bitter makes the sweet that much better.