The summer before my first year of college, what made me most nervous was the idea of leaving family and friends behind having to “start over” and make all new friends from scratch. Being a worrier, I thought life would never be the same when I said goodbye to the people who had been most important to me up to that point. Now, as I begin my senior year, I’m amazed to realize how much richer my life has become because of the relationships I’ve forged in college.

I felt comfortable and happy in high school, with many close friends whom I’d known since kindergarten. When I went to college, part of me felt I had been rocketed out of that “world” and into a scary new one of strangers, which sometimes made me want to go back in time and be back in my comfort zone. But before long, I discovered beautiful new ideas, personalities and experiences through new acquaintances at college. And it was scary, and hard at times, like I’m sure astronauts feel the first time they experience outer space. Like I might run out of oxygen or something (sorry for the cheesy metaphor, but it’s true). But I survived, and I’ve grown and matured so much these past three years. And the most surprising part was how my two “worlds” (St. Olaf and pre-St. Olaf) have overlapped and interacted. My friends from school have met or interacted with my friends from home, and my family has heard all about the friends, roommates, professors, coaches, advisors, and others at Olaf who have helped shape my ideas and beliefs since coming to college. And I’ve watched my high school friends grow and change in college and enjoyed how our friendships have matured as a result of our individual growth.

So what would I tell my first year self if I could write her a letter and send it back through time? I would tell her how valuable discomfort is, in that new environment, and that it will give birth to amazing personal growth. I would tell her not to be afraid of the discomfort, and not to be afraid to talk with people about it (because chances are others are feeling it too). I would tell her to try those classes and clubs that sounded so cool–like Astronomy or the ultimate frisbee team. I would tell her to spend more time talking with JCs, and the custodial and cafeteria staff, and that professor whose class I really enjoy. Go to interesting-sounding lectures or documentary screenings, and bring friends and talk about it after.  Sign up for OSR! (Ole Spring Relief, a spring break mission trip).

Basically, I’ll echo what I know you’ve heard from others. Get involved, get out of your comfort zone, and search for your passions (academic, extracurricular, athletic, whatever). What might you want to say to your first-year self as a rising senior? What will you learn? Good or bad, it’s all valuable. I’m so excited to meet you all! See you on the Hill soon. 🙂

Maggie Boling (boling@stolaf.edu)