Move-in day 2015 was not glamorous. It was sweaty, it was anxiety-ridden. It wasn’t my new beginning or fresh start. I didn’t see it as a divine chance to reinvent myself or find new life-long friends or any of those rosy sentiments. I certainly did not have time to think about how amazing college could be… I hadn’t even learned how to do my eyebrows properly yet.

I didn’t enter college with many expectations, except that it must be too good to be true. I remember scowling at everyone at my graduation party who told me it would be the “best four years of my life.” I didn’t believe them; I didn’t want to. My life was just alright how it was. I had an amazing core group of high school friends who I knew would continue the group chat even after we all went to different states for college. I had a boyfriend at the time who I thought was just the best thing ever. Spoiler: he wasn’t.

I had a great summer earning money, eating Burger King for breakfast and going to the beach with my friends. Why would I want that to change? I wondered if first-years today had higher hopes and excitement than I had. Just starting my last year here at Hamline, I was curious if the years between us would give them a completely different outlook.

One first-year student was worried about how intimidating college might be. The mystery of what a professor is like can definitely lead some students to think they are all ultra-strict or just give you piles of homework each night. The student went on to explain the professors  actually feel like real people at Hamline, which I wholeheartedly agree with.

I think my closeness with my professors are a big part of why I like Hamline. I’ve had professors who have known me since my very first semester (I’m looking at you, David Hudson) who have been able to see me grow and give much-needed advice through the years. It’s really special here at Hamline to be able to see your professors for multiple classes. I can’t imagine going to a larger school where you’re just another name in a sea of students. That is definitely not the case here. Especially in smaller departments like Digital Media Arts, you’re bound to see the same professors over and over again.

If you’re new to Hamline, I highly recommend trying to get to know any of the professors that are involved in the field(s) you are most interested in. It’s helpful when it comes time to choose an advisor, or even just to ask questions about what options that field can give you for post-graduation. Go meet with them during office hours, ask questions and show up to class.

Another first-year student had a completely different, but equally (if not more) relatable expectation about college life. They thought college would give you all of the free time to eat whenever you want to! In reality, fitting in time to eat for this student has become almost a chore. If you’re busy with classes, a job or even just normal, everyday things like trying to shower, it can become time-consuming to run over to Anderson and get a meal in.

I was only worried about if Hamline’s food would taste good, forget having to make time to eat! In reality, I ended up getting most of my meals from Leo’s Corner and just eating them in my room. My first semester, I only had an hour of homework a night, so I had too much time to get my meals. No matter what your schedule is like, find the time to take care of yourself. It can be easy to slip into a pattern of being busy and forgetting your body needs nutrition, water and sometimes just a break.

As you make your way up the collegiate seniority pole, you’ll find your way. You might realize your expectations were one-thousand percent wrong, and that’s alright. You might become a completely different person, which can go in many directions. I know for me, I’m happy college changed and challenged me. I’m happy to report I managed to find some additional best friends, reinvent myself in positive ways and I even learned how to do my eyebrows. At least I think so.