The Glow-Up: Freshman vs. Senior Year Ins & Outs
Submitted by Jodie Li
Welcome to a new, or even first, semester! I’ll be diving into my transformation from when I was a clueless freshman to a now (slightly) wiser senior. A lot of things change while in college, including priorities, fears, and even your boba order, while some things stay the same. Whether you are just starting your college journey or about to cross the finish line, here’s a quick list of some ins and outs of college life.
The Ins & Outs of Freshman Year:
In: Say “yes” to as many events, clubs, and outing invitations that align with your interests.
Out: Feeling like you’re missing out (FOMO) if you feel too exhausted or have school priorities over a party.
In: Making group chats with people you meet. “Who’s down to study and grab food?” messages.
Out: Feeling like you have to stick with the first friends you make, even if they’re not the right fit.
In: Finding a sense of community on campus through Asian-American organizations (shoutout to AAPC too!)
Out: Having a crisis. “Did I pick the right major? Will I make friends? How do I find somewhere I belong?”
The Ins and Outs of Senior Year:
In: Realistic schedules only. No classes before 9 AM every day to avoid oversleeping.
Out: Rushing to plan next semester’s classes without multiple back-ups on Blue Hen planner.
In: Updating resumes and LinkedIn profile every semester and focusing on career development more so than grades (after you’ve met a GPA threshold).
Out: Pushing off career-related work to prioritize “college experiences” or grades.
In: Soaking in all the times with friends and community, and spending more time on campus.
Out: Isolating and closing yourself off to new connections just because you already have a solid friend group.
In: Deep talks about future career and aspirations. Open up about internships/jobs and ask for advice to advance in your career field.
Out: Avoiding conversations about the “real world” because it feels too stressful, and that’s a later problem.
It’s All a New Beginning
The ride from freshman to senior year can be intimidating at first, as it introduces a new beginning in many aspects. It is terrifying to have your first day, find a new sense of home, decide on a major, land an internship, graduate, and even figure out which dining hall on campus is the best. These are all new beginnings that create a fulfilling journey.
These ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ are more than just a silly list; they are a map of my growth throughout my years at the University of Delaware. The anxiety about fitting in and having horrendous FOMO has slowly transformed into the confidence to prioritize myself. This journey has taught me what truly matters: from finding a community where I belong to clarifying the focus I need for my future.
So, to the freshmen: embrace the chaos of college. Your ins and outs are being written now. To those who have already started their journey, there is also something new up ahead for you to experience.
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