Leslie's Life

So college is great and all because you get all these options, right? Well it’s difficult in that aspect too, because what if you don’t know what to pick? Today in FYE, (First Year Experience) we had a panel of seniors come in and talk to us about “What they wish they knew when they were freshman.” I actually found it really helpful. Granted, they all tend to say the same things, but that just means those things really do make a college experience great. They spoke about things like: getting involved, study abroad, having a social life, going to class, being a part of Greek life (if you want) and basically taking advantage of this amazing school.

Although this 50 minute class was helpful, it also scared me. I’m not afraid to admit that I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, but it kind of feels like I’m the only one who is honest about it. I feel like everyone already has their double majors and 3 minors and concentrations picked out and they already have internships and job interviews and I’m like, slow down! Technically, I am a history major. People ask, “what do you want to do with that?” I frown and say, “I have no idea, I just like history…” Frankly, it makes me sad, because I really do want to have an idea of what the rest of my life will look like. I wish there was a test I could take and it would tell me what my major should be.

I suppose the whole point in writing this is to vent my feelings about being truly undecided. I feel a little bothered by the fact that I don’t have one thing that I am truly passionate about, I’m just a generally passive person. I also do understand that I am only a first semester freshman, and I don’t “have” to know yet. But I’m just excited for my academic future to be really interesting, focusing on something I really love.

If you’re undecided, about anything, it’s okay. I invite you to come on a journey with me where I try to find my place in this world. I’m excited to meet my advisor and start planning the rest of my college career here at UD. I’m even more excited that I get to document it here on my blog, so one day I can come back and really remember my college experience!

As soon as people were beginning to apply to colleges, that’s all anyone wanted to talk about. It was all “where do you want to go? why do you want to go there? have you applied?” So many questions with no answers yet. 

I wanted to write this blog to share my feelings about the college process, so maybe someone could read it and get some insight from someone who has been there. I’m not going to lie, it’s stressful, but it’s also a great way to get to know yourself as an adult, which is the fun part! I’ve put together the 5 main categories a high school senior should be considering while on their college application journey—hope you enjoy!  

Location, Location, Location! 

You have to decide whether you want to be close to home or far away. From my experience, you are either within 3 hours by car, or you’re considered “far away”. If you stay close to home you have the luxury of seeing your family, sleeping in your own bed on occasion, and frequent home cooked meals. On the flip side, going far away gives you a whole new atmosphere, new people, a sense that you’re really on your own, and going home on breaks will be so much sweeter! 

Your studies (Ugh, I actually have to go back to school?!”

Throughout the college application process, people forget that you’re actually going to school! This one is simple. Major in what you love. If your major is rare, search for schools with your major! There are great resources out there. Be aware of your academic future.  

Atmosphere

The reason I love UD so much is the campus. I fell in love when I first saw it. It’s gorgeous here and main street is awesome! Of course I’m biased, but I would suggest picking a school that has what you need and love close by. If you love to shop and go out to eat, choose a school integrated with a small town, trust me you’ll love it! Also consider weather, sports teams, and greek life depending on what’s important to you! 

Finances 

Be aware of your financial limits! College is expensive. In-state tuition is great, but I knew many people in high school who got scholarships out of state. This is where all of your hard work in high school pays off, literally! 

The People

The reason I was so excited to go to college was to meet new people. I had amazing friends in high school, but I needed a change. For me, college was the chance of a lifetime to start over and make new friends. This aspect I think is very important. Choose a school you think you will feel comfortable at and can make friends and branch out, this will make your college experience so much more fun. 

I hope anyone reading this found this helpful! On a final note I would have to say, apply to where you want, not where everyone else is. After all, these are your dreams and your future! 

Thanks for reading!!! If you have questions, do NOT hesitate to ask me :)

Hello and welcome to my life! My name is Leslie and this is the start
of my journey as a blogger for the University of Delaware. I thought
I’d start by talking a little about me for anyone who is reading.
Besides the information in my about me, I love to write, especially
about my life and opinions. I’ve had a really great experience so far
here at Delaware and I’m excited to share it. Random as it may be, I
believe that is what keeps life interesting. I’m learning a lot about
myself being here, which makes me hopeful for the future! My blog will
be weekly posts about my life here as a college student. I’ll be
posting anything from pictures of the campus, activities, or my
experiences here with friends. Feel free to follow me if you are a
college student, interested in UD, or just have a social
networking addiction like me. I hope you will find my blog relatable
and authentic :) Thanks for reading and stay tuned!