<p>Hey girl,</p>
<p>I haven’t read through all of your replies, so my apologies if I’m just repeating what others have said. For what it’s worth, I’m a sophomore now and in a sorority also. I came from an academically rigorous high school and am pursuing a difficult major. </p>
<p>My best piece of advice to you is to take it slow. College is a huge adjustment. There’s so much more out there than you can possibly prepare for before you’re actually thrown into the swing of things. You seem to already be doing a great job–finding friends, taking hard classes, getting involved with your chapter, studying hard, getting tutors, and getting help for everything you’re stressed about.</p>
<p>When this happens to me–when I just feel so stressed and overwhelmed I don’t know what to do–I literally tell myself to just take it one step at a time. So what if I have three tests, a quiz, a paper, work, and a meeting? As long as I can get as much as possible done, I’ll be just fine. So rather than worrying about all of them, I put them into little manageable chunks. Instead of trying to study all of a chapter of organic chemistry (which may be like calculus for you) in one night, I set a goal of finishing a few problems or reading part of the chapter. That way, I get enough done to have a head start but don’t spend so much time doing one thing that I get overwhelmed.</p>
<p>The best thing you can do is to just accept where you are. That doesn’t mean you have to like it, you just need to come to terms with it. I’d be inclined to bet that school’s always come pretty easily for you. You’ve maybe even “had it made” so to speak in the past. College can be a real wake up call for that, which in my mind is neither good nor bad–it just is. Now you know, in a very real sense, that there are people out there that are better than you at math, enjoy the same things you do in your sorority, care about your wellbeing as your friends, and are eager to see you succeed like your professors. Isn’t that awesome?</p>
<p>So I’d say…just give it a chance. Slow down, take a deep breath, and figure out a good way to enjoy what you’re doing. If school stresses you out, do something non-academic. Join a club just for the hell of it. If you have too much free time, volunteer or get a job or workout. If you’re tense and stretched thin, try yoga or beginners pilates. If you want to get in better shape, google “couch to 5k program” and follow it. Continue to develop your niche.</p>
<p>And most of all, don’t fret. You’re not the first freshman to be confused or overwhelmed in college. I’d be more worried if you weren’t! I distinctly remember how tough first semester was psychologically and emotionally. Take comfort in knowing that others have been there too and that they survived, which you will too. If you’re stressed about losing scholarships or your major, your best bet is to talk to an advisor. Most of the time these requirements aren’t set in stone, so even if you’re close to losing either you can typically stick with the program as long as you can explain what’s up. </p>
<p>Keep working hard. Try not to lose your motivation. At least stick it out for the remainder of the semester. College is a great time to explore who you are and what you may want to become in the future. As long as you can recognize that and can find a way to make your individual experiences as meaningful as possible, then you’ll be successful no doubt.</p>
<p>Keep your chin up. Good luck, happy holidays, and I hope you ace your finals! </p>
<p>Cheers,
Kristin</p>