Council Corner

Transitions: Remember that if nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies

Julie Dunlap
Vanderbilt University

It is the fourth week of school here at Vanderbilt, and I am finally getting into the swing of college life. It is all beginning to fall in place. The butterflies are fading. The mourning of high school has all but disappeared, and I am happy to say I have truly found a new home full of opportunities.

The first week here was hectic—thousands of new faces, names I still cannot remember, and tons of tips from faculty advisors which have ironically slipped my mind as well. Orientation is the college approach to sheltering students one last time. They “held our hands” as they eased us into the university. It was definitely comforting. I met many faculty members and upperclassmen whom I feel comfortable with and I know I can talk to if I have any problems or questions. The majority of colleges also have freshman programs for the first semester. These are typically small groups that meet once or twice a week to discuss college issues and are effective in keeping the students well acquainted with the different opportunities the university has to offer. My freshman “Vanderbilt Visions” group is very insightful, and I met many good friends there as well. Classes began, and I was thrilled to find that all of my professors were insightful yet very entertaining. Classes seem to be less structured, and there is a necessary level of individual responsibility, especially in lecture classes, which can range up to 300 students a class. Yet, there are many tutors and faculty members available where help is needed.

All and all, this new journey has proven to be an experience in itself. I have met so many great and interesting people whom I am certain I will know for a lifetime. When I began college I realized my slate had been wiped completely clean. At first this was a shock to me as I mourned the end of all I had accomplished in high school. However, it was not that my past accomplishments had died. Rather, their place was to lead me where I am now. And now I am here and ready to fill my “slate” with not just accomplishments, but experiences and opportunities to better who I am.

Making the transition from high school to college can be tough. While I can offer my advice, you must make it your own. College is largely defined by individual and personal experience. However, I have a few tips to make the transition a bit easier.

1. Enjoy the time you have now. College is great; high school is, too.
2. Keep lists of your goals both long and short term.
3. Remember that if nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.
4. Leave insecurities behind. Chances are, you are the only one that notices them anyway.
5. Keep an open mind, but don't compromise who you are.
6. Be yourself.
7. If you have a question, ask.
8. Find something that is important to you and get involved.
9. Live in a dorm.
10. Have fun, but remember why you are there in the first place.
11. Take random classes. You never know what you are interested in until you try it.
12. Don't sleep between classes. There's a good chance you won't wake up in time.
13. Get to know your professors. They have office hours for a reason.
14. Remember it's not just you dealing with the change.
15. Read your textbooks and use highlighters—you'll remember more.
16. Remember the past, indulge in the present, and always look to the future.

Best wishes to all and the best of luck.