Back To School...What I would tell my Younger Self

Back to school season is upon us. Whether you’re just starting school, returning for another semester, or are an old alumni reminiscing about the old days (me); you can sense when another chapter of life is about to begin. This “feeling” got me thinking... what advice would I give to myself starting college if I could do it all again?

 Dear younger me: 

1. Get out of your comfort zone
There are over 20,000 people at this university. Get out and meet people. Stop being shy and stop catering to other people.

Yet, I pretty much kept to my hallmates my first year. Fast forward, met my now husband my junior year because I joined an organization.
 2. Do NOT study in your dorm room
For peeps sake, the library is next to your dorm and it’s the PERFECT place to study. Seriously, anywhere can be a study spot - the cafe table, the atrium lounge, or outside!

I wouldn’t find this out until the 2nd semester, as I was almost failing out of college and trying to figure out what went wrong.

3. It is okay to change your major
Freshman year is about finding out what you enjoy and what you aren’t good at. Biology, Microbio, genetics, and chemistry aren’t your thing. From engineering, to psychology, to human nutrition, foods, and exercise…you’ll be okay.

I really wish students had more guidance and counseling in this because choosing your career right after high school is too much pressure.

4. Utilize the things you’re already paying for: career services, counseling, gym
GIRLLLL, things in the real world are EXPENSIVE! Start using career services, mental health counseling, and the gym sooner. 

I didn’t use these until my junior year and man, how life would be different! 

5. Sprinkle the fun classes into your schedule, don’t save them for senior year
School is not a sprint, it’s a marathon; so enjoy every step of the process.

I saved the educational prep classes of “Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Training” for my senior year because I thought they would be “fun” classes. And I really wish I didn’t do that because this, THIS right here, helped me discover my passion and now career.


In the end, you have to accept that things happened how and when they did to get you to this very point in your life...but being the person that you needed when you were a shy freshman today, makes a big difference for someone else tomorrow. 

What advice would you give your younger self? Let us know in the comments.

Alicia Lunsford, MS

A millennial wellness enthusiast trying to figure out life. Coupon Queen. Experimental Chef. Personal Trainer. Health Coach