By NICK VILLALOBOS, Editor in Chief
Dude, its senior year already? Where did the time go?
It feels like only yesterday I arrived on campus for my freshmen year, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, not knowing a single soul, except for that of my sister’s.
It’s crazy how time flies.
First, you enter a place like I did, with excitement and little butterflies in your belly, and then out of nowhere, you get hit with the harsh reality, and scariness of the world.
It’s ruling and unyielding.
If you’re not ready for it, or if you’re even scared of it, you will be eaten up and spit back out faster than you can say, “oh dear.”
But, on the bright side though, that harsh, and rather intimidating, reality that the world presents can be avoided, or dealt with easily if you face it properly.
As a senior now, I’ve learned a few ways to face this world without being scared of it. Here are five that I felt would be beneficial in reducing your fears while in college.
- Make goals and pursue them
Goals are a great thing to have in college. If you set a long term goal early on in your college career, and then develop smaller ones that are aimed towards helping you achieve that long term goal, then you give the world no opportunity to slow you down.
- Make friends and keep them
When I came to Northwestern, I knew only my sister and her family. But, after the years rolled on, she moved away and I was left to develop friendships with other people who were a positive influence on my life like she was. And, that I did.
By making good positive influential friends, you provide yourself with a great support group. Those people in your support group will always be with you, no matter what the situation is you face.
So hold on to them as long as you can, and don’t forget to return the favor right back to them because they might need you just as much as you need them.
- Get to the town
For many students attending classes at Northwestern, being in Alva is a huge culture shock, and the small town can even be a little intimidating for them.
For those individuals, I just want to encourage you to get out and explore the town.
Go to the businesses downtown, visit the churches and meet some of the townspeople because there’s nothing more comforting then knowing the community you’re now a part of, isn’t made up of just a bunch scary or weird people, but instead it’s made up of welcoming, kind-hearted and supportive individuals.
- Keep in contact with loved ones back home
Every now and then you just need to hear momma’s voice, or a sister’s or brother’s, so don’t be afraid to call them.
You have grown up with those people your entire life and they have continuously loved and cared for you, so don’t forget that.
I know when times get tough for me, hearing an encouraging word from my family back home, whether they be my church family or actual biological family, is so comforting.
- Become familiar with God’s voice.
This is definitely the most important thing I’ve learned and leaned on during my time in college.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that the Lord doesn’t plan hardship and turmoil for us, but instead He plans to prosper us, give us a hope and a future.
By becoming familiar with His voice through prayer and the reading of His word, the world’s scariness becomes almost nonexistent.
The good Lord is the almighty comforter. He will be with you through every situation.