So the year is pretty much over. It’s finals week and everyone’s packing. The Directing II scenes are over, so I could finally chop off quite a bit of my hair. The new hairstyle is kind of a symbol for how much I have changed over the semester, for better or worse, not to mention, I’ll stay a lot cooler this summer at the beach! Senior night for The University Players was a nice end-of-the-year celebration. It was exciting and sad to hear so many talented seniors speak about their past few years and the years that they have ahead. They’ve learned so much, not only in their major, but about themselves and life in general. It’s in this spirit that I offer up advice for incoming freshman. I don’t believe it’s a good idea to dwell on the past, but for the sake of you all I’ve compiled a list of things I wished I’d done/tried this year.

I wish I had….

• Gone to The Beanery more often. I’m just now discovering its relaxing environment and tasty dishes.
• Gotten to know people better. It was very safe to stick to a small group of friends, but it kept me from discovering great new friendships sooner.
• Discovered my printing balance sooner. $300 in your pre-paid balance is fantastic! Don’t use up your ink cartage printing out slides or notes for classes, go to a printing lab, like the one in Kent Library!
• Went to more campus-sponsored activities, like movie nights.
• Taken more pictures. Often times, weeks I skipped journals were weeks I just hadn’t taken pictures! I had plenty of opportunities; I just never took the time.
• Worked out more often. With the South Rec Center so close to Vandiver, I have no clue why I didn’t go more often.
• Facebooked less. Facebook was an excellent study break, but breaks often turned into procrastination.
• Developed the courage to eat alone sooner. On days where I couldn’t find people to eat with, I just wouldn’t eat at all! It wasn’t healthy emotionally or physically. I’m now okay with going to eat alone. Sometimes it’s okay to just get something to go or spend some time alone. You may even run into someone you know!
• Read the paper more often. Free copies of The Post Dispatch and The Southeast Missourian are available different places on campus. I’ve been reading the paper during breakfast a lot more often now! It keeps me connected to the outside world, especially St. Louis, my hometown!
• Been less afraid to spend flex. It’s okay to spend your flex dollars! Last semester, I had so much leftover flex; I had to rush to use it by the end of the semester. Luckily, any flex dollars you don’t spend, you can donate to charity!
• Read more for fun. There is so much required reading, that I often times couldn’t stand the thought of reading anything just because, but I wish I had. I’ve always enjoyed escaping into a good book. Don’t let the work load cause you to give up what you love to do!

I know there is other lessons I learned, but I’m sure you’ll figure them out on your own! Just remember to not be afraid to try new things, meet new people, and take advantage of all of the resources you have. Of course, there’s a list much longer of all the things I’m glad I did this year; have fun creating your own at Southeast!

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