From Scared Senior to Seminole

Four years ago, as a high school senior, I thought those would be the best years of my life. I believed nothing could surpass the memories built during my teenage years.

Choosing Florida State University was a challenge. My dad is a Gator, and FSU was seven hours from home, farther than I had ever been from my family.

Nothing can fully prepare you for the transition to college. Living in a dorm, so far from everything familiar, felt overwhelming. It seemed like everyone already had their friend groups, while I was left alone.

A Change in Mindset

For a while, I was at a standstill. Although many people see me as a social butterfly, I was also self-conscious. However, I believe your life is determined by your mindset, and your mindset becomes your life. If nothing changes, nothing changes.

It took me a while to internalize that concept, but everything slowly started shifting once I did. I began joining communities that welcomed me with open arms.

Little by little, I became involved at Florida State. I joined organizations like Student Government, Student Foundation, and my sorority, became a Resident Assistant, and started saying yes to opportunities that once intimidated me. Each experience shaped me into the woman I am today.

My Advice to You

Somewhere between late-night fountain throws, Tuesday nights out, Vice Philly cheesesteaks, second-floor study sessions at Strozier, Saturday football games, and meals at Pi Beta Phi, I discovered myself. In life, there are no “good” or “bad” experiences, only experiences.

My advice for anyone nervous about college or not yet enjoying their time on campus is simple: don’t be embarrassed to try. Embarrassment is not real unless you allow yourself to feel it. Go to karaoke, raise your hand in that big lecture class, or walk up to the person you always see at the gym.

Another thing college taught me is the importance of saying yes. Let “yes” become part of your vocabulary so “regret” does not. You will regret saying “no” far more than you will the times you took a leap of faith.

The time is now. Most of my mistakes came from convincing myself I would do something later. Procrastination is the thief of time and joy in everything from studying for exams to texting someone “happy birthday.”

There is no perfect place or perfect time. The right moments are the ones you create in the present. Life moves quickly, so grab the moment like it is a present wrapped just for you.

More Than a Degree

Success is not measured only by grades, internships, or achievements. It is also measured by the memories you create, the people you impact, and the person you become. I leave Florida State not only with a degree but with a version of myself that I spent four years building.

If my high school senior self could see me now, she would know this was the best decision I ever made. I came, I saw, and I left unconquered. Thank you, Florida State University, for the best four years of my life.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!