by Matt Miller<\/p>\n
If I could speak with my freshman self, rest assured that I would have plenty of advice to give. Namely, don\u2019t waste your time and money trying to find a good Chinese restaurant in Indianapolis\u2026 One doesn\u2019t exist. Even more importantly, don\u2019t even think about trying a new barber here. You won\u2019t like the results. Avoid the embarrassing Facebook photos and just wait until you go home to get a haircut.<\/p>\n
In all seriousness though, I\u2019ve compiled a list of what I consider to be the ten most important pieces of advice that I could give my freshman self. I should note that they\u2019re not written in any particular order. I consider them all to be equally important.<\/p>\n
1.\tTake advantage of the cultural opportunities at Butler. The \u201cButler Cultural Requirement\u201d won\u2019t be implemented until after you matriculate, so you won\u2019t be required to attend events like ballets, recitals, or guest lectures. You need to make time and attend some though! You will be more well-rounded as a result.
\n2.\tGet to know your professors. The professors here are incredibly kind and supportive. You will come to consider several of them mentors and even friends. Know that your professors are always willing to listen and give advice, regardless of whether you want to discuss academics or not. Having a trusted adult you can confide in will be very important over the next four years.
\n3.\tBreak out of your shell. Don\u2019t be afraid to try new opportunities, even if they are outside of your comfort zone. Go to social events. Interact with new people. Join organizations. Come back early for Rush Week. You won\u2019t regret any of it.
\n4.\tPlan for your plans to change. You\u2019ll change your major several times at Butler, and that\u2019s perfectly okay. In fact, it\u2019s typical. When you realize that it\u2019s time to make a change, don\u2019t try to fight it. It will take time to discover what you want to do in life. Take these opportunities to reassess yourself and see how much you\u2019ve grown as a result of this \u201cdetour.\u201d
\n5.\tFollow your passions. While is undeniably important to maintain a high GPA and complete your major requirements in a timely manner, don\u2019t let these things completely dictate your class schedule. Take an astronomy course. Consider learning Hebrew. Maybe even try a psychology class. Forget that your GPA might decline slightly and that the classes won\u2019t fulfill any of your major requirements. You chose a liberal arts institution for a reason. Broaden your education.
\n6.\tFigure out who you are. It sounds strange, but I mean it. College will be your chance to get away from your family, friends, and community back home and really learn who you are. Discover your interests, beliefs, and goals (not the ones everyone expects you to have). This is an exciting time, so don\u2019t let it freak you out!
\n7.\tEstablish a routine and stick to it. Time management will be key. As soon as you can, outline a schedule that will allow you to get your work done without pulling all-nighters. Completing the assigned reading is important, but so is sleep!
\n8.\t Make time for yourself. College is tough. It will exhaust you physically and mentally. Ensure that you set some time aside to just relax. Watch a movie. Take a walk. It doesn\u2019t matter what you do as long as you step away from the books for a while.
\n9.\tBe thankful. You\u2019re going to do well in college, but it won\u2019t be a solo effort. There will be a great number of people who will you help along the way. Make sure they know that their efforts don\u2019t go unnoticed! Take time to tell these people that you care about them and sincerely appreciate their guidance. Please don\u2019t wait until it\u2019s too late.
\n10.\tCherish your time here. I know it sounds clich\u00e9, but really take this piece of advice to heart. Savor every moment. Your four years at Butler will be gone before you know it so make the most of your time here. I understand that you don\u2019t particularly enjoy group projects or class discussions. I can also empathize with your concern that you might be randomly assigned to a horrible roommate. However, these moments and events that you dread will actually give rise to some of your fondest memories as an undergraduate. (By the way, your freshman year roommate is awesome. You\u2019ll consider him a great friend for years to come.) Please don\u2019t waste your time hoping for graduation to get here any sooner than it already will. Trust me when I say that when it does come time to graduate, you will wish that you had more time here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Matt Miller If I could speak with my freshman self, rest assured that I would have plenty of advice to give. Namely, don\u2019t waste your time and money trying to find a good Chinese restaurant in Indianapolis\u2026 One doesn\u2019t exist. Even more importantly, don\u2019t even think about trying a new barber here. You…<\/p>\n