Dear Caroline,
Even though I’m about to be a junior at Baylor, it feels like just yesterday I was saying goodbye to you, Elizabeth, Mom, and Dad when they dropped me off for my first year.
You’re about to start at the University of Texas. Since I’m the oldest, my only college knowledge came from Mom and Dad. No offense to them, but it’s been a while since they were in college. A long while (sorry, guys).
I want to share some things I’ve learned over my two years that I think will help you as you start this new chapter. I wish I’d had some advice before I left, so maybe this will help you.
Drop-Off:
You’ll have a lot of emotions on move-in day. You’re excited about college and meeting new people, but also saying goodbye to your family. It’s a tough day, plain and simple.
While Mom and Dad are setting up your room, things are hectic. You don’t have time to think about it. But when they’re almost done, you realize they’ll be leaving soon, and that’s when it hits you.
Two years ago…
You remember how hard it was to say goodbye when they dropped me off, right? Well, it’ll be even harder when YOU say goodbye to them. But it doesn’t have to be hard for long.
The main thing I’d tell you not to do is sit in your room and dwell on everything.
Meet some people in your hall and do something fun, or anything, to keep your mind occupied. I remember some guys in my hall (who I now consider some of my closest friends), and we went to play basketball.
Go to class.
I know this may seem obvious, since you had to go to class in high school. But believe me, it’s tempting to skip class when you’re tired or for whatever reason.
I’m not saying never skip class. Just know that what’s said in class will be on the test.
Be yourself and choose your friends wisely.
I’m not kidding when I say you’re about to meet people you’ll be friends with for life. So, choose your friends carefully.
If you can’t be yourself around certain people, you need to find new friends. Please listen to this part if you ignore everything else in this letter. Don’t fall into that trap. Just be you.
Call home.
Especially Mom, since she’s probably the most worried.
Try to call home often because they want to hear how you’re doing, and it’s nice to talk to them. Nobody will make you keep up your relationship with your family.
That’s your responsibility.
I loved calling Mom on my way to class in the mornings and hearing about things at home. FaceTime is also great because you can see your favorite pup, Scooter. Oh, and text Elizabeth to check on her. She won’t have you around to entertain her anymore.
Know what you believe and why.
This is mostly about your faith. Your faith can grow or shrink in college. While you’ll be surrounded by smart people, don’t take everything they say as absolute truth.
For example, I had to write a paper defending one of my beliefs, which was good because I had to really think about what I believed and why.
Freshman-year grades are important.
Freshman year will likely be your easiest, academically speaking. So, get good grades your first year. Don’t start in a hole. Starting strong makes everything easier.
Don’t start studying for a test the night before. That might have worked in high school, but it doesn’t work in college.
Trust me, I’ve tried it, and it didn’t go well. Also, group study sessions are fun but not always the best for studying.
Visit churches and find one you like.
Once you find one, join a small group and try not to skip on the weekends. Even when you’re tired, it’s a great place to get support…especially after a long week of class.
Journal.
I don’t mean write down your feelings daily, but you can if you want. I mean, keep a list of things you’ve learned and are learning.
Write down things that are important to you. Every once in a while, describe a regular day in detail. It’s cool to look back and see how far you’ve come.
Be spontaneous.
Some of your best memories will come from doing spontaneous things with friends. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. College is a balance of friends, school, and everything in between.
I’ll admit, college takes some getting used to. If you hate it at first, don’t worry.
Trust me, you’ll get the hang of it and love it. But it won’t be easy.
You’ll be much more responsible. You’ll be in charge of going to class on time, doing laundry, feeding yourself, etc. No one will hold your hand, but you can do it.
If you get overwhelmed, stop and take a deep breath.
Remember you have a brother who’s only an hour and a half away in Waco. You can always come see me, and you always have a place to stay. That being said… HOOK’EM HORNS!
Love, Jack