It Gets Better

Junior year, the blur year is the best way I can describe it. Major classes, student organizations, friends, you may be 21 so your social life has increased, just a multitude of factors that have changed. Unfortunately, my junior year started in the fall of 2019 and ended in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme racial injustice. The biggest lesson that year taught me is to live in the moment, because you never know when that could change.

After conversing with others who work in student affairs with undergraduate students, the best advice during junior year is “stop and smell the roses.” Junior year can be stressful balancing higher academic pressures and entering this new phase of “adulting.”

While all that is happening there are so many benefits to this 3^rd year of school.

You Find Out Who Are Your Real Best Friends

 The last 2 years were probably a whirlwind of making new friends and navigating the ebb and flows of these new friendships. When you get to this 3^rd year you are more confident than ever that the people around you are your friends for a lifetime. It is so true. Have the best time with these friends because you will never be this young and free again, enjoy living 10 minutes max away from the people you love.

HAVE FUN

I cannot stress this enough, have fun! I had the most fun in college this year, you’re old enough to be responsible and again you’re surrounded by some of your favorite people. The pandemic was hard, but I remember moving back to Indiana from Ohio to be around my friends. We practically lived together because we would spend all day in our apartments hanging out.

These are the “best days of your life!”

Celebrate Every Win

Whether you passed an exam, secured an awesome internship, or just made it to class on time. Celebrate yourself. College is hard and junior year presents new challenges. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn more about yourself, so give yourself a break when you don’t get it right.

“I didn’t come this far just to make it this far”

Check back next Wednesday as we dive into Senior Year!