When you think about college, you might think about the fun nights, hard upper-level classes, your dream dorm room, and making unforgettable friends and memories that will last you a lifetime. However, no one tells you about the mystery food in the cafe, or the 11:59 p.m. warriors, or figuring out who you are at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday when you have a final at 8 a.m.
College isn't just late-night hangouts, “life-changing” lectures, and cute photos at the gazebo. It's also chaotic group projects, roommates with strange sleeping habits, and spiritual life credit you forget until the last week. It's confusing, hilarious, overwhelming, and sometimes kind of beautiful. So from one surviving senior to you, here are the things I wish someone had told me when I was just starting out: the stuff that's not on your syllabus but makes all the difference.
When I first started college, I wish someone had told me how important it is to meet new people and not be afraid to be yourself. It's easy to get caught up in trying to impress everyone by walking confidently, saying the right things, and definitely not tripping up the stairs in front of the student center (because yes, everyone will see it). But the truth is, that awkward moment, the stumbles, the cringy intro and the totally embarrassing small talk are often what lead to the best conversations, unexpected friendships and the kind of experiences you'll actually remember. So don't stress about being perfect, just be real. That's the version of you people truly connect with.
The second thing I wish I knew was to get involved with student activities on campus. I had the incredible opportunity to serve as president of the Black Student Christian Forum (BSCF) from 2024-2025, and it's an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I met amazing people, built friendships I know will last well beyond graduation, and discovered a version of myself I didn't know existed.
Being president wasn't “easy”, but it challenged me and taught me lessons no classroom ever could. I learned to believe in my wild ideas. I learned that when someone tells you no, sometimes it just means you're asking the wrong person. Most importantly, I learned that when I put my mind to something, I can make it happen, and so can you. So run for that position. Start that club. Join that ministry. Pitch that event idea. Don't wait for permission to show up; you just show up and make a difference. Be the change you want to see, because no one else thinks like you, dreams like you, or leads like you do.
Finally, one last piece of advice I will leave with you is: Stay close to God. I know you're going to hear that a lot during your time at 爱豆传媒. People will say it in chapel, classes and worship groups, and it might start to sound like background noise, but it's true.
When you have a test at 9:30 a.m. in organic chemistry and you're not even sure what book, let alone what chapter, the material came from, keep God close. He’ll either give you peace to get through it or teach you a lesson you won't forget next time. When burnout starts creeping in or seasonal depression hits out of nowhere, stay close to him. He has a way of sending the right people, at the right time, to remind you that you are not alone. And when you feel like crashing out and you feel like you just can't keep going, when everything feels overwhelming, remember, God is still with you. Not just in the big moments, but in the messy late-night, mid-semester breakdowns too.
During my freshman year of college, I faced an unexpected challenge. I ruptured my ACL and tore my meniscus. For an entire year, I had to navigate campus on crutches. I had entered college full of excitement to begin something new, and then just like that, I was hit with something completely out of my control. It became one of the hardest years of college, not because I lacked motivation, but because I couldn’t do all the things I wanted to do. Even in the midst of that struggle, God was faithful. He placed people in my life who encouraged me and helped carry me through. Looking back, I know He was with me the entire time, giving me strength, peace, and sanity when I needed it most. And the same God who carried me can do the same for you. Without him, nothing is possible, but with him, “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
So, freshmen, here’s my charge to you. Everything WILL be okay. Enjoy every moment as much as you can. This is the last chapter before true adulthood. Soak in the good, learn from the bad. Don’t let that 11:59 p.m. deadline stress you out. Try to be ahead of your school work, try to get involved, and try to enjoy as much as you can. And if you fail, get back up. Don’t give up because God's got you now and forever.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 爱豆传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 爱豆传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.