Time Capsule Reflection Essay

First, I would like to share a little context about my first year of college. I started out as a Math Major and still am. As you probably know, I am a part of the Scholars Science and Global Change program here at Maryland. I have participated in many clubs and events here and maintained a pretty active lifestyle. I intend to use my knowledge and understanding to help you, an incoming student, better understand the craziness that is college. I can not stress enough the importance of establishing relationships with both faculty and students. You need to find a good group of smart, dedicated students who will inspire you to maintain a healthy and studious lifestyle.

If you surround yourself with smart people you never know maybe a little will rub off. It is also important for people to establish relationships with professors or faculty role models. You might know these people all through college. They can help you when times are rough or when you don't understand something. Most of the time people are open, approachable, and do not mind listening to an underclassmen gripe about their problems. These people can help you find good research opportunities, connections, or even future careers. I recommend that you can achieve these relationships by just reaching out. You may get rejected a couple of times, but in the long run, it will teach you new things and open new opportunities.

The greatest obstacle in preventing yourself from reaching these relationships is yourself. Join clubs, find people on social media, sit next to people in your lectures or discussions, force yourself into these situations and you are bound to achieve your desired outcome.

On a personal note, maybe you can learn from my mistakes, I was least prepared for the amount of time that is required for my classes. If you don't stick to a strict schedule and put in the hours of work that will be required, you will get left behind and it will be much harder to catch up. You will also make mistakes with friends or romantic partners. Not every person you meet has to be your friend. There are people that will slow you down or are toxic. You don't have to stay with the first group you find or the first girl/boy that likes you back. Sometimes people will hold you back. This is college don't let the little things stress you out, you will have the opportunity to have other stressors don't worry. And when these stressors, stress you out there are ways to keep a healthy mind. Find an open place to study, go outside, read a book, or go out on the weekend. While your priority should be your grades, you need to make the most out of life. You will have your entire life to stress about work; spend a little time enjoying the small things in life. One of the things that I have enjoyed is late-night walks. When it is a little cooler outside and empty. Maryland is a very large campus and it can be nice to go outside and appreciate nature.

In conclusion, if I was to recommend three things to incoming freshman. It would be to always reach out and establish connections with students and faculty members, to always look at your textbook in your Math and STEM classes (Preferable once before your lecture), and to never surround yourself with toxic people.