As high school seniors prepare to enter college, it’s easy to assume that the biggest lessons will come from textbooks and lectures. But two students, Kianna and Grace, share insights from their first year that prove some of the most valuable learning happens outside the classroom.
Learning About Independence and Accountability
Kianna and Grace quickly discovered that college throws you into the deep end of personal responsibility. Grace realized that success depended on her choices. “No one’s going to make me get up, go to class, or keep up with my homework,” she said. This pushed her to take charge of her schedule, stay organized, and develop strong time management skills.
Kianna, too, found herself navigating a new sense of freedom. Coming from a small town where life was familiar and structured, she had to figure out how to handle the overwhelming free time that came with college life. One key takeaway for her was learning to budget her time and money—a skill she honed by preparing for unexpected expenses like surprise coffee outings with friends or sudden needs for bottled water during a campus emergency.
Finding Strength Through Community
Homesickness hit both students in different ways. Kianna coped by calling her dad every day, sometimes just for five minutes, as a comforting routine that helped her handle the emotional distance between Nebraska and her school in Oregon. Grace, on the other hand, fought off loneliness by diving into campus life. Joining a sorority helped her meet new people, push past her comfort zone, and connect through service and fundraising events.
Their stories show that while the initial adjustment can be tough, finding your circle through friends, clubs, or regular family check-ins can make all the difference.
Surprising Growth in Unexpected Areas
Both students also found themselves growing in ways they didn’t expect. Grace was surprised by how approachable her professors were, which made asking for help less intimidating. She also mastered balancing her schedule, which included classes, Greek events, and work.
Kianna experienced growth in her personal habits. Once a person who didn’t mind a messy room, she learned how much a clean, organized space affected her mental clarity and stress levels. Sharing a dorm room taught her the importance of creating positive habits and respecting shared environments.
Advice for Future Freshmen
Looking back, both have advice for incoming students. Grace recommends taking as many college credits as possible in high school to get ahead and applying for scholarships early. She also encourages students to jump into campus life because the connections you make are invaluable.
Kianna’s advice focuses on flexibility. Don’t tie yourself too strictly to a four-year plan. Life has twists and turns, and being adaptable can help you find a path that’s ultimately a better fit, even if it’s not what you originally envisioned.
Looking Ahead
As they head into their second year, Kianna and Grace are optimistic and excited. Grace looks forward to getting even more involved on campus now that she knows how to manage her time and responsibilities. Kianna, who has shifted her academic path to pursue EMT training, feels happy and confident in her chosen new direction, even though it wasn’t part of her original plan.
By Jeannine Phelan
Assisted by AI