Wisdom for College Students from a Former Siena Icon

CJM
Nov 19, 2024
4 min read

I’m late to the game now in November, but I wanted to share advice for college students. I recently started mentoring a student at Siena and it's been so rewarding. It also has me remembering how serious everything felt in college, and the juggle of balancing life, school, and friends. After meeting with my mentee, I thought about how we were so quick to plan our futures and not be present. I mean it’s the first time you have full rein over yourself, live alone, time management is a thing, and more. I miss the ‘college bubble’ of no worries other than homework, besties, and what bar is on the docket for the night. My time at Siena was the best four years, filled with some of the best memories and people.

This didn't come without hardship {or hangovers}. Attending Siena and being away from home wasn't always easy for me! I struggled with the adjustment freshmen year. Classes were harder, I couldn't find my people and felt so alone. It felt like my feet weren't firmly planted on the ground, and I was trying to figure out this new life. All this to say that loneliness is real, academic struggle is valid, and you won't find your people immediately. I figured these things out on the journey, and those years became some of the most transformative periods of my life. Siena- the education of a lifetime? Yes. And you find your lifetime people. For anyone struggling with college, or wanting support, I wanted to offer my two cents (nothing new there!) So here is advice I’d give a college student—coming from the Siena icon herself!

And you know I couldn’t make this happen without my college peeps. Thank you to Townhouse 112 (Emma, Ariel, and Allie), Kev, Allycia, Alex, Kerry, Katelyn, and more for making this piece come together.

Take advantage of different classes. Electives forever! (I have a minor in creative arts because I took 3 acting classes lol)
It is okay to change career paths or your major. And with this, take advantage of every opportunity and involve yourself in what college has to offer. Internships, clubs, volunteering, etc. can help guide you down your path!
First week freshmen—keep it in your pants! No dating the first month. (I had a massive crush on Pat Moran the first 2 months and managed to play it cool!)
Go to office hours. Some of the best people in my life are my old professors—because I went to their office hours and created that connection.
Freshmen—leave your door open. It creates that sense of connection when you first arrive with others in a brand-new place.
Give yourself grace and don't expect the same academic performance as high school! College is hard- you have so much more factored in. Time management, social life, and homework are a lot to balance--especially if you have a job.
Relax. It’s not that serious.
Appreciate the constant opportunity to learn new things in your life and academically.
Join a club (even if it sounds dumb!!!)
If you hookup with someone in your class more than once…the whole school will eventually know :)
Take advantage of the student discounts.
Don’t sleep with your makeup on, even tired or drunk…take it off!
Cheap Liquor (crystal palace) catches up to you…man I can’t do it like I used to! Shots of that then waking up and being presentable? Iconic!
College is for sure fun—but remember your best years are still up ahead. I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to make 4 years the greatest time of our lives, and it doesn’t always have to be that.
Be in the moment—you will never live walking distance from your best friends again.
Things will work out—enjoy where you are. Don’t waste time worrying about the future, housing lottery, or that C- in religion class. You’ll be fine.
Some friends will only be ‘party friends’ and not the deeper friendships. Be aware of this and don’t put effort where it’s not warranted.
Seniors: do not take early Friday classes if you can- you will not be magically healed from Thursday nights activities lol.
Make friends within your major or in your classes to help with homework!
Study abroad if you have the opportunity to! I never did, but so many of my friends say it was the best time of their life.
Comparison is the thief of joy- do not compare yourself to others or what they’re doing.
Take care of yourself, but if you’re on the fence about going out—go out! You’re only there for four years and the memories are worth being tired.
Don’t determine your value and self-worth based on boys you meet in college—trust me they all suck. Their brains won’t develop for another 10 years!
Stay true to yourself, your interests, and your values. It’s so easy to adapt yourself based on what you think others want you to be. But stay true to you, and you will find your peeps.
With that--you will find your people. People who will love/see you through every walk of life. They will be your friends for life. You know, the friends you call when life feels heavy, or you feel excited. The babies, marriages, new jobs, and cities. They will stand by you no matter what.
Have fun and embrace every single moment. It really does go by way too fast.