5 Things Not to Worry About Freshman Year of College

Freshman year is a time of great excitement for students who will be away from home for the first time in their lives. Navigating a new city, a new campus, while attending new classes with new people presents many opportunities for reinvention and experiencing new things.

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However, this time is often overshadowed by a lot of stress for students who might not be used to being so far away from the comfort zone of what they have always known.

Because everything is so new, teachers, peers, and family members will all try to be offering their own advice to help you navigate your new journey.

Take it from someone who has been there, stressed about it, and survived partially unscathed, worry about all of the things that I didn't need to worry about right away.

Despite what anyone might tell you, these things should not cloud your vision during your first year of school, if ever.

1. Declaring A Major: Freshman year, especially your first semester will likely be spent taking pre-reqs like math, science, art, and a general elective. These courses are required for all students on campus. Most students do not start taking courses for their intended major until second semester or their sophomore year. In the meantime, choose a general elective that interests you, explore different clubs that suit your varying interests, and talk to older students who are pursuing different majors to see what path you might be interested in pursuing. Many students who do declare a major first semester end up switching one or two times before graduation. This is also perfectly OK. In the grand scheme of things, a major is on average four years of study, while a career will be the majority of your adult life. You want to be sure.

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2. Having the Perfect Resume: This is another point that will frequently be stressed your freshman year. While yes, it is nice and smart to get a jump start on adding extracurriculars, volunteer activities, and part-time job experience to your resume, you also have plenty of time. Aim to add 2-3 things per year to your resume, and make sure there is not a major gap in between responsibilities. You want to show that you were able to hold a position for an average of at least 3-6 months, and did not take too much time off before pursuing a greater opportunity.

3. Your Weight/ Time Spent in the Gym: Life is too short not to eat the pizza. Looking back on your time spent in college, how do you want those memories to look? Do you want to remember the stress of scouring over a menu for calorie content, or do you want to remember sitting on the floor of your dorm room sharing pizza and laughs with your roommates? Do you want to remember nights spent exploring your new city, or nights spent sweating in an overly crowded gym?

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4. A Distinguished Friend Group: The friends you meet during orientation will likely not be the friends you have as you're packing up at the end of your first year. Different course directions, different sets of priorities, and several other factors can come into play why friends drift apart. Keep yourself open to making new friends, and don't take it personally if things between you and a friend drift apart. If it was important to both parties, you'd find a way to make the bond last. If not, you make new ones and move on. College is the time to be a 'floater' and get along with everybody. Open your mind and hangout with different groups of people and you will learn a lot in the process.

5. The Future: Sometimes, it might look like everyone has it all figured out, but you: spring break plans, summer jobs or internships, post-college life plans, etc. Scrolling through social media, you will be bombarded with this false sense of reality. It's important to take a deep breath and remind yourself that everybody posts the highlight reel of their life. Nobody has it figured out, regardless of how old they are or where they are in life. We are all learning as we go and doing the best we can.

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4 healthy on-the-go snacks for back-to-school

With back-to-school approaching all to quickly, there is still a lot left for students to prepare for. Once you're past creating the 'perfect' schedule, there's shopping for school supplies, back to school clothes, and making sure you get the most out of whatever you may have left of the summer.

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One thing I am always conscious of when thinking of back-to-school is making sure that I am properly fueling my body and my mind for the long days ahead. Working part-time while attending school full-time, I am often on the go running from one activity to the next left with little time for a sit down meal.

During the week I rely heavily on snacks to power me through my day and ensure I am getting a proper amount of calories and nutrients for my busy lifestyle.

Below are some of my favorite products that I often pack in my lunch box during the week for healthy and quick mid-day pick me ups that don't require refrigeration.

*Note: these are just suggestions and can be altered to fit your needs/dietary preference.

1. Dried Edamame 

(C): Amazon.com

Edamame is naturally high in protein and fiber and also contain a balance of plant-based protein and carbohydrates.

The snack satisfies the craving for potato chips and desire for a crunchy snack without any added oils. It makes for the perfect snack for in-between classes or a unique way to dress up your salad at lunchtime. My favorite brand is cruncha ma me® original flavor (naked).This particular brand is also available in lightly seasoned, sea salt and black pepper, onion and chive, jalapeno, and savory sesame. Another favorite is SeaPoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame in spicy wasabi. 

2. Chia beverages and squeezes 

(C): Amazon

Our body needs Omega-3s to function properly. These can be found primarily in fish and those on a plant-based diet can also receive them from nuts. However, unless you are also taking supplements, it can be tricky to ensure you are getting a sufficient amount from diet alone.

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Mama Chia products pack a powerful nutritional punch with each drink offering 2500mg of Omega-3s, while also providing a healthy dose of protein, fiber, vitamin A and calcium. Mama Chia has a line of veggie and fruit flavors. Despite the label, you get more of the chia seed texture than any overpowering fruit or veggie flavor. If you've ever tried boba, it's along the same lines texture-wise. The chia seeds expand in liquid, which makes it taste more like a desert. 

If you'd rather have a snack than drink, the chia squeezes are another great option offering 1,200 mg of Omega-3's and come in a variety of flavors. 

These snacks are a clean and quiet option to satisfy hunger for those times when you're stomach starts to growl in the middle of class. 

(C): Amazon

(C): Amazon

3. Protein bars or shakes

(C): Amazon

Protein bars or shakes are a great choice, because there is a lot of variety of what you can do with them. 

You can have a bar by itself, or for a more complete, balanced meal add a packet of peanut or almond butter with a banana.

Protein shakes can be mixed with any toppings you enjoy, and used as a meal replacement or for a tasty treat to sip throughout the day. This is also another great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

4. Dark chocolate:

Unlike many of the traditional chocolate bars offered in gas stations and check out lines, dark chocolate offers us many health benefits when consumed in moderation (one square 2-3x/week). These benefits include: lower blood pressure, improved blood flow to the brain and heart, which improves cognitive function, regulating blood sugar, and offers antioxidants.

Dark chocolates offering at least 70% cocoa provide the most benefits.


Question: What are some of your favorite snacks to pack for school or work? Which brands offer your favorite products?