What I Wish I Knew as a Freshman from a Your Senior Sorority Sister

Welcome back,

Listen up, freshmen! As a senior who's been around the block a few times, let me give it to you straight—no sugarcoating, no BS. Here's what I wish I knew when I was a wide-eyed freshman, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart.

1. Own Your Boldness/Give Zero F**KS: College is not the time to shrink yourself or tiptoe around who you are. Embrace your boldness, your quirks, and your unapologetic self-expression. Be loud, be proud, and never apologize for being you. You’ll make better friends, memories, and overall feel better about yourself. Seriously, caring too much about what other people think is a one-way ticket to misery. Do what makes you happy, pursue your passions, and let the haters hate. At the end of the day, their opinions don't pay your bills or earn your degree.

2. Forge Unapologetic Friendships: Surround yourself with people who embrace your boldness, your vulgarity, and your unfiltered authenticity. These are the friends who will have your back through thick and thin, who will laugh with you until your stomach hurts, and who will call you out on your BS when you need it most. Trust me, without them you’ll get MAJOR imposter syndrome.

3. Take Risks, Make Mistakes: College is the ultimate playground for experimentation. Absolutely no one has it figured out, and now is the best time to make mistakes. You’re independent, but not alone. Take risks, try new things, and don't be afraid to fail spectacularly. Trust me, some of your best stories will come from the moments when everything went sideways.

4. Give Back Through Philanthropy: One of the most rewarding aspects of being in a sorority is the opportunity to give back to your community through philanthropy events and service projects. This not only helps those in need, but it’s an extremely grounding experience. Being in college especially, these grounding moments will become part of your self-care. Embrace these opportunities to make a positive impact both on and off campus.

5. Self-Care is Essential: Amidst the hustle and bustle of college life, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, whether it's practicing yoga, going for a run, or simply rotting in your bed and doing laundry on a Friday night.

6. Get Involved/Networking Beyond the Sorority: College campuses offer countless leadership opportunities, from serving on executive boards to organizing events and fundraisers in clubs. Seize these opportunities to develop valuable skills and make a meaningful impact within your chapter. While your sorority sisters can be valuable networking connections, don't limit yourself to just your Greek community. Take advantage of networking opportunities both on and off campus to expand your professional circle.

7. Respect and Inclusivity: Embrace the diversity within your sorority and strive to create an inclusive environment where every sister feels valued and respected for who they are. Celebrate differences and foster a sense of belonging for all members.

8. Party Hard, Study Harder: Look, college is about more than just hitting the books. It's also about living it up and making memories that will last a lifetime. But remember, for every wild night out, there's a morning-after cram session waiting for you. Find your balance, but never forget why you're here in the first place. I can’t count how many times I’ve felt so badly for not prioritizing the whole reason I’m at college — school. Speaking from personal experience, sophomore year was definelty my “fun year”. And those phone calls with your parents after they receive your midterms, aren’t pleasant.

9. Stay Woke, Stay Informed: In today's world, ignorance is not bliss—it's downright dangerous. Stay informed about the issues that matter, educate yourself about social justice, and use your voice and your platform to advocate for change. You’re an adult now, so educate yourself on the world and form your own opinion.

10. Live Your Best Damn Life: At the end of the day, your time in college will pass by in the blink of an eye. Cherish every laugh, every tear, and every triumph shared with your friends—the late-night study sessions fueled by caffeine, the spontaneous road trips that lead to unforgettable adventures. These moments will be cherished for years to come. So seize every opportunity, embrace every challenge, and live your college years to the fullest. Because before you know it, you'll be tossing your cap in the air at graduation, wondering where the time went.

That’s all for this post!

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