Four years at Cabrini go by in what feels like just four weeks. Already having finished the first 75% of my time at Cabrini, I can attest to the fact that college flies by faster than any other time in my life so far (even though it doesn’t always feel that way when you’re in the thick of exam week).
Now that I’m going into my senior year here, it’s hard to even think back to my life before Cabrini was molded deep into my heart. However, there was a time when I had no clue what an amazing choice I was making here.
My senior year of high school, I was not Cabrini’s biggest cheerleader (if you know me at all now, it’s hard to picture this). It actually took quite a lot of convincing from my parents to end up choosing Cabrini as my school, and even then I was still having many doubts.
I was worried that I would be too close to home, that I hadn’t made any friends the few times I visited so far, that Cabrini was simply all wrong for me and my parents had no idea what they were talking about when they told me it was the best choice.
Needless to say, I was wrong. Cabrini was the obvious best choice from the first week of classes.
So, freshman me, I know your nerves are through the roof as you’re getting ready to go change your life at what will be your first time living with a roommate, controlling your own schedule, wearing shower shoes and so much more, here are a few things to put your mind at ease …
Almost everyone is just as nervous as you are. For all of the firsts you are experiencing as you start school, they are having just as many. Don’t be afraid to go talk to someone new because they’re hoping to make some new friends just like you are.
Having a roommate is not a bad thing—it can really be a blessing. Getting ready to move in and you now have not only one roommate, but two. Yes, it is something to get used to. However, it’s not as scary as you think. Even if you don’t end up being best friends, it’s still nice to have someone there to be a shoulder when you need one and to share jokes with and to force you to study when you need to. Also, this does not mean you’ll never be alone again. She has a life too and there may be some days when you never even cross paths.
Get involved early and don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s practically a cliché at this point. “Get involved at college.” But it’s also timeless advice. Getting involved can help you make friends, get close with faculty and staff, find new opportunities and really expand your college experience. While of course going to class is important, it shouldn’t be the only thing you do in your fours years. And hey, if you really give something a shot and it turns out you hate it, you can just go try something else instead!
Open your heart to a Cabrini education. I know community service in high school was because you needed to complete a certain amount of hours and get a form signed. And of course, it was rewarding at the same time. But at Cabrini, the meaning of community service and social justice education will completely change your world view if you let it; and you should let it.
Live with purpose and do something extraordinary. It’s not just something written on Cabrini’s advertisements—living with purpose really means being the best person you can be, and Cabrini will help you do that. Don’t take your time here for granted. It goes by in the blink of an eye.