You learn a lot of things at college, but somehow I didn't expect to learn or change quite this much. I knew everyone said that I would return home this summer a different person, but looking back now, I didn't think that was true.
You WILL change! And it's a good thing. You get older and more mature, because that's what happens when you have to make yourself get up every day and go to the classes you or your parents (or the government) are paying for. I'm 19, but I don't consider myself an 'adult' yet. That being said, I am changed after this year. Because...
College is hard! So hard. I've had countless people tell me how easy freshman year is, and it's finals week of spring semester, and I still have no idea what those people were talking about. You are away from your family probably for the longest you've ever been in your life, and it seems like no one feels like you do. NEWS FLASH -- they do, they just aren't saying it. Just like you. Academically, unless you went to a private school, there are going to be a lot of adjustments. You can do it! Utilize the Internet and its various resources.
College is FUN! It really is just like you picture it. Midnight IHOP runs, random movie nights, a hall full of closets to pick from. There are so many events to choose from and plenty of clubs to join. Just in the first semester I joined the chemistry club, BCM, and the Speak for life club. You will have many opportunities to make friends, but not if you sit in your dorm room every night and have a pity party, which believe me I know is tempting.
It's okay if you don't know what you want to do! Even at the end of freshman year, it's not the end of the world if you still aren't certain about your major or your career. It takes time, and that's okay. There will always be that one girl who has known she wanted to be a teacher since second grade, and she will probably make you feel rushed. But you will figure it out, I promise. It might take a lot of prayer and introspection, but it will work out.