From Freshman to Senior: My Biggest Takeaways

As I finish my senior year and reflect on these past four years, it’s impossible not to feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Auburn has been more than just college, it’s been a place of growth, Challenge, Friendship, and so much joy.

From late nights at the library to Saturdays in Jordan-Hare, every moment has shaped me. Here are five lessons I’ve learned that I’ll carry with me wherever life leads next.

1. Change is Where Growth Happens

Coming into Auburn as a freshman, I thought I had a plan, and like most of us, that plan quickly evolved. I changed my routine, my goals, and even some of my dreams. There were semesters that stretched me in ways I didn’t expect, and times I felt completely out of my comfort zone. But that’s where the magic happened. The moments that scared me, like joining new clubs, putting myself out there, getting jobs, and trying something new around Auburn, those ended up being the moments that shaped me most. Auburn taught me to stop resisting change and start embracing it, because that’s how I’ve grown into who I am today.

2. Your People Matter More than anything

One of the biggest blessings of college is the people you meet along the way. I’ve found some of the best friends I could’ve ever hoped for. People who’ve laughed with me, cried with me, and cheered me on every step of the way. My roommates became my sisters, and my coworkers became mentors I’ll never forget. College can feel overwhelming at times, but having a strong support system makes all the difference. The memories I’ll hold onto the tightest aren’t just the big events, they’re the little moments with my people. From walks around campus, spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen, and deep late-night talks, I’ve learned to love hard, hold people close, and be fully present with the ones who truly matter.

3. Take Care of Yourself, seriously

There were seasons where I was running on fumes, trying to balance class, work, fitness, friendships, and everything in between. And while hustle culture is real in college, I’ve learned that burnout is too. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean slacking, it means giving your body and mind what they need so you can show up as your best self. For me, that looked like morning workouts at the Rec, cooking dinner with my roommates, journaling when my anxiety crept in, and taking breaks to walk and breathe. Auburn helped me find my rhythm and reminded me that you can’t pour from an empty cup. The rest is productive. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

4. Don’t Fear the Unknown

The truth is, college is full of unknowns. There were so many moments where I felt unsure about classes, internships, future jobs, and honestly, about myself. But time and time again, I’ve seen how leaning into uncertainty leads to unexpected blessings. Some of the best experiences I’ve had came from taking a leap. For example, applying for leadership roles, starting new jobs, meeting new people, or even just saying “yes” when I didn’t feel ready. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. I’m still learning to trust the process and to believe that even when I can’t see the full picture, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

5. Soak it all In, You Won’t Get This Time Back

If I could go back and tell my freshman self one thing, it would be this: SLOW DOWN. Stop wishing for graduation or the next big milestone and just enjoy where you are. Because it flies by. Auburn has given me so many sweet moments from game days, tailgates, late-night talks, walks to class in the sunshine, even the stressful cram sessions that somehow turned into fun. These are the days I’ll look back on for the rest of my life. As I wrap up this chapter, I’m learning to be more present, to say “yes” to the random plans, to capture the memories, and to really appreciate this beautiful, fleeting season of life.

Be Well, Auburn.