In just over a week, summer officially concludes as students gear up for school. I’ve called the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh home for the last four years. However, this time feels different. As I enter into my fifth and final year, I find myself nostalgic. Four whole years have come and gone. Frankly, the girl that walked into Stewart Hall freshman year is nearly unrecognizable from the woman writing you today.
Freshman Year
This campus raised me. It raised me up into a confident 20-something totally uncertain as to what her future holds but completely ready to embrace what’s next. I know nothing about my future except that I will be relentless in my pursuit. I wasn’t cognizant of this drive and passion as a freshman. However, over the last four years, these traits among many others have manifested – each pointing me more clearly down my path.
The first day of freshman year was a hot mess (literally and figuratively). As a rite of passage, my residence hall did not have air conditioning (ask my dad, he’s still talking about it). I was nervous beyond words as we made our way into the city of Oshkosh. I had no reference point to which I could compare this experience. Your loving family piles all your most important belongings into a vehicle and drops you off at an unfamiliar campus, with unknown people, in an unexplored city. Pure madness!
It was through this day and the hundreds that followed that I learned a very important truth: change is the only constant that exists. If we can learn to embrace change rather than resent it, we will be far more effective in what we accomplish. College has taught me to love the unknown because it is through uncertainty that beautiful new beginnings take form.
The Growing Pains
As I reflect on my time at UW- Oshkosh, freshman year has some major highlights. I spent my first full year away from my family. I learned what it’s like to live with a roommate and the life lessons that follow. I said “yes” to so many new experiences. I changed my major FOUR WHOLE TIMES in one year. I fell in love with a campus, its people, and the new little life I had created.
But I was still figuring myself out. I was far from the confident woman I am today. “Becoming” is a process and although I am far from having arrived, I am miles ahead of where I started as a freshman. That’s the point — that’s all you can ask of yourself. We are so young and still so uncertain on so many things. All I ask is that the woman I am today looks different than the one I was before. The pruning process of “becoming” takes time.
There’s a whole lot to digest as an 18 year old in college. You have exactly zero idea what you’re doing most of the time. You’re uncertain if you should be friends with those people or enroll in that course. You walk blindly for awhile until you start to see a glimpse of light. My sweet first year students – take heart! This uncertainty is normal. You aren’t supposed to have it all figured out yet. If you did, there’d be no story to share later.
Fast Forward to Present Day
What does life look like today? How has it changed? Where do I begin.
Today, I am a 22 year old college gal double majoring in Human Resources and Spanish. I spent four months abroad studying Spanish and living on a new continent, in a new country, with a host family I had never met. I’ve put my education to action as an intern for Amcor Flexibles – a company with 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. I spend my free time pursuing my passion for writing and creating meaningful content. I’ve met my ride-or-die, together forever friends during my time at UW-Oshkosh. I never knew friendship so fierce existed.
Today, I gear up for the next chapter in my story. I’ve spent the last 15 years in school at various capacities. Now, it’s time to fly! As I enter into my final two semesters, I’m excited to finish up my Human Resources degree while also getting certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). In the Spring, I’ll teach English online with the intention of going abroad in the next 2-3 years. If you had asked freshman year Ally about her post-graduation plans, she would have kindly told you that she had absolutely no idea.
It’s fun to reflect on where you came from so that you can appreciate where you are at.
What I’ve Learned
I’ve spent some time really reflecting on the biggest lessons from undergrad in hopes that it helps prepare first year students entering into the unknown. I’ve boiled it down to two guiding principles.
First, I think it’s important to acknowledge your courage. Moving out of your parent’s home into a room that is equivalent to the size of some walk-in closets is an accomplishment in and of itself. Living with a “friend” you met on Facebook is bravery. Remember, exercising your courageous muscle will inch you incrementally closer to your calling. These 4+ years aren’t meant for your comfort zone.
Secondly, there is no deadline. Seriously, get that idea out of your head. A deadline is pressure we place on ourselves to achieve something in a fixed amount of time. But what happens if we don’t figure it out? We become disappointed and feel like a failure. How can you fail at a future you’re creating? You can’t. Give yourself grace to learn as you go.
College is four of the most enriching years of your life. They will be exactly what you make it. Cease the moment. Embrace the uncertainty. Let it change your life.