Please share your words of wisdom from your perspective - what you would tell your little sister about transitioning to life at BS, getting along with other young women, safety, managing a balanced life at school, etc…any advice or insight you wish you had received? This is more specific than the other post (Advice for Freshman). I apologize in advance if there is another thread similar, but I couldn’t find it 8-|
Meet as many new people as you can in the beginning of the school year- I wish I had gotten to know/talk to more people at the start of my freshman year. When away from home, even if your parents are just a phone call away, you have to rely on your friends to get you throughout a lot, so surround yourself with friends who bring out the best in you. Hold each other accountable and be somebody your friends can rely on, because everybody will need that at some point or another.
Also, remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Boarding school environments can often get very stressful and tense because students are motivated and have high expectations of themselves. People feed off each other’s energy and the stress become a chain reaction. Don’t compare your success and achievements to others- focus not on how somebody else is performing, but on you doing the best that you can do for yourself.
Take care of yourself. Get sleep. Eat as healthy as you can in the dining hall:) Try to not stress freshman year…I wish I had enjoyed my freshman year more and focused on the experience and learning rather than being all worked up over grades because freshman year doesn’t matter as much and it is the least stressful year.
You will do great and remember that all new students are just as nervous and unsure about going to a new school as you are!
Thanks@cababe97 - great advice!
I love this advice, @cababe97 ! Especially the part about comparing yourself to others. I can think of no worse way to be in a great community than envying them and/or trying to outdo them.
So many kids wish they’d taken more risks earlier – in the sense of being open to new things and people.
Wise counsel indeed! Part of the advice should include "learn from upperclassmen! "
Avoid peer pressure; how to deal with peer pressure.
Behave as anything that occurs will be known to most of the community.