Letter To My Freshman Self - Paige Pratt

Dear Paige, 

Of all the things I could tell you about college the one thing, I wish I listened to is: these four years are going to fly by. Whether you realize it or not, in the blink of an eye you're going to be putting on your cap and gown and walking off the stage with no clue what you're going to do next. Even though every class seems like it is never going to end and each week feels like an eternity, before you know it your moving back home after your first year at school. Don't tank your GPA freshman year because it is nearly impossible to move up from that starting point and you will regret it when applying to internships and jobs. Go to class, your parents are paying a ton of money and by skipping them you are literally throwing it away, its already paid for, so take advantage of that. Stay at school, refrain from going home even though you live so close, spend nights in with your team or your roommates because you're going to be living at home once school is over. Try not to stress over every little thing, a B isn't the end of the world. 

Never ever pass up an opportunity to go do something besides school and soccer. They will overwhelm you and suffocate you if you don't go out and do something else. 

Remember these things throughout the four seasons because it will change your perception of your coach and teammates. 

1. When you're sitting on the bench game after game for the first two years, go for runs when you can to avoid the freshman-15 because it is a real thing.
2. You should really go to lift, although it is a pain in the a**, literally, it is worth it in the long run.
3. Get to the locker room early and hang with the team, this is when people's true colors come out.
4. Coach doesn't actually hate you, she's just making you run twelve 120s by yourself to make you better, or at least try to think so. 

Although college is about learning and preparing for what comes next, remember to have fun. College is a once in a lifetime experience so don't let it pass you by. Take advantage of every opportunity and make the most of these four years because before you know it you'll be in my shoes. Good luck. 

Sincerely,

Paige Pratt 

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(Photo credit - David Le '10)