Class Podcast Ep. 1
The first piece of advice that I think will prove useful is going to be the management of time. I think this is one of the biggest differences between high school and college, you have dead hours that are so vital and useful to college students when getting work done. In high school, the only free time you have to get things done is after school or on the weekends, this proves more difficult when you play a sport. As a former student-athlete, it was so hard for me to manage my time after school and practice. It would be 5 or 6pm when I finally had time for homework or projects and it was hard to focus because of how low my energy was. I was exhausted and sore, my body ached and all I wanted to do was go to sleep after a shower. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be a college athlete. As a normal student with school to focus on, I have more time and I have to choose wisely what to do with that time. It’s still a weird feeling not having practices, walk-thrus, team meetings, or film to fill up my free time. Now, I have to use those dead hours, I can get my work done or get a headstart on things due the next week. Time management is something I realized very quickly as the transition from high school to college happened. COVID-19 plays a big role in that as well, it’s not a big option to just go out with friends and study or eat. I find myself wanting to stay in my room to get work done by myself, rather than be around people. That option gives you more opportunity to choose what to do with your time. The second piece of advice that would also prove useful would be to accept the fact that things might not go as planned. Expect things to change and to be okay with it. Before even arriving at Ole Miss, I was already overthinking my major and wanted to change it. I chose Forensic Anthropology but was overthinking if there would be a big demand in jobs for a forensic anthropologist. I have so many interests in the healthcare and criminal field, I feel as though it’s hard to tell an 18-year-old to choose what they want to do for the rest of their lives. My mother has a doctorate in nursing from Vanderbilt, she is my role model and has sacrificed a lot of things for my family and I. So, the consideration of being an RN was big, then my interest peaked as a forensic pathologist. It felt like I was going in circles. I still expect my major to change next year and I am totally fine with that. I believe that life is about going with the flow and rolling with the punches or whatever challenges God throws at you. I know I will struggle these next four years but I can’t be afraid of failure and know that I have to stand firm in the faith.
The most I am looking forward to this year is my growth as a person and my habits. Will I still be friends with my people back home? Will I make more? Will I still conservative and shy? Did I develop good study habits? Will I still be in a relationship? How is my mental health? The least thing I am looking forward to is tests and exams because that is when I stress the most, overthink, and develop anxiety.
My advice for an incoming freshman in high school would be to get as involved as you can. I know many people may tell you that and it goes over your head but, you do not want to end your senior year with no friends. Tryout for sports, join clubs, be social. You’ll develop social skills that you will appreciate so much more when you enter college. I know it may be scary but put yourself out there, you won’t regret it. Now is the time to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t try to fit in, stand out and you’ll find friends who share the same interests as you.