By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Staff Writer
Every year, new freshmen arrive on campus feeling excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. Seniors who once felt the same way now look back, wishing they could share the lessons they learned along the way.
Freshmen often feel pressure to have everything figured out right away, such as having to choose the perfect major, join the right clubs, and plan their whole future during their first semester.
“Understanding that college is a time to make mistakes and find your way in life, you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to try. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges, to reach out and make friends, and to build meaningful connections with your professors,” said Isabella Nohejl, a senior majoring in Business Management.
Seniors know that college is not about having a perfect plan. It is about discovering who you are and what you enjoy. Many seniors changed their major, added a minor, or found a new passion because of one class or one professor who inspired them. Some changed direction after realizing their first plan did not make them happy. Uncertainty is normal; it does not mean you are failing. It means you are growing.
Seniors also say that showing up is one of the most important things you can do. This does not only mean going to class, although that matters more than freshmen think. It also means showing up to small moments: movie nights in the dorm, club meetings, campus events, or study groups.
“I wish that I hadn’t let fear hold me back. I wish that I had put myself out there more and gotten involved early on. Freshman year was a rough transition for me, and I almost left until someone came and asked me about my experience, which made such an impact on my journey here at Saint Leo,” said Cindy Cadichon, a senior majoring in Medical Humanities – Pre Med.
Many seniors say their best memories came from times when they pushed themselves to leave their room, even when they felt shy or tired. Showing up helps you make friends, find opportunities, and feel like you belong. It is how the campus starts to feel like home.
Another lesson seniors want to share is the importance of asking for help because freshmen often think they must handle everything alone, stress, homesickness, or difficult classes. But the truth is, the students who succeed are the ones who use the resources around them.
For example, professors have office hours to help you. Tutoring centers can explain difficult topics. Counseling services can support your mental health. Mentors and older students can guide you because they have been through the same challenges. Asking for help is not a weakness; it is a smart skill that will help you in college and in general life.
Time management is another lesson many seniors wish they had learned sooner, since freshmen often underestimate how quickly deadlines approach and how easily things can pile up.
Many seniors laugh about the nights they stayed up until 3 a.m. because they procrastinated. But they also admit that learning to balance school, work, social life, and rest was one of the hardest parts of college. Productivity is not about being busy all the time. It is about being organized and intentional. Planning ahead, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, and giving yourself time to rest can help you avoid burnout.
It is also important to take care of yourself. Sleep, healthy food, movement, and mental health all affect your success. You cannot do well in class if you are exhausted or overwhelmed.
Comparing yourself to others only makes things harder. Freshmen often look around and think everyone else has their life together. But seniors know that everyone struggles sometimes. Everyone feels lost at some point. College becomes easier when you stop comparing your journey to someone else’s.
It is always good to remember that it is okay to change. You might lose friends, make new ones, discover new interests, or outgrow old habits. Change is part of growing up; people you meet, the challenges you face, and the choices you make will shape you in ways you do not expect. College is a time to explore, try new things, and learn about yourself.
College goes by fast. Four years feel long when you first arrive, but seniors say it passes quickly. They remember their first day like it was yesterday. They wish they had slowed down and enjoyed the small moments more. If they could speak directly to freshmen, they would say: take pictures, celebrate small wins, call your family, try new things, and enjoy the journey. Do not rush through it. College is more than a preparation for the future; it is an important chapter of your life.
