4. Whatever it is, send it! Try new things, and do them with 100% effort.
There is no greater feeling than hitting a gap jump on a mountain bike. I remember being scared out of my wits when I first considered hitting the gap. What if I missed, fell, and hurt myself? My brother, a mountain biking legend, always gave me the same advice: “Send it.” In other words, “Even if you’re scared, do it anyway.”
I listened to him and decided to give it my all. When I attempted my first gap jump, I soared through the sky like an eagle spreading its wings and landed safely on the ground below.
This advice helped me succeed in mountain biking, so I applied it to my first year at Grace as a college freshman. I committed to saying “yes” to new opportunities. I tried new clubs, such as the outdoor club and intramurals.
Saying “yes” to these opportunities, led me to meet some of my closest friends. These companions have stayed by my side through thick and thin. In the same way, being involved and staying busy with my new life at college also eased the homesick bug that many freshmen catch.
One of the most valuable tips for incoming college freshmen is to live with the “send it” mindset. If you do, you’ll unlock a fun and adventurous life, both on the mountain bike trails and at college.
5. Learn how to play Euchre.
One mark of a Midwest native is knowing how to play the card game Euchre. This fast-paced two-on-two game requires an equal dose of skill and luck. Whenever my uber-competitive extended family comes together, this game takes center stage. I tried to learn once but became confused and gave up. For years, I sat feeling lonely on the couch as the members of my family ferociously and jubilantly competed.
Finally, last summer, I decided to learn how to play. After a couple rough games, I became so confident in my skills, I was ready to go to Vegas! (Unfortunately, they do not have Euchre in Las Vegas.)
Once I got to school as a college freshman, I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone in my hall knew how to play Euchre! During the first semester, my friendships with the guys were so close, it felt like I was playing the card game with my family again.
Each person on the floor had different interests, tastes, and personalities, but as soon as we pulled out those 26 cards, we forgot about our differences and had a blast playing the game. Euchre taught me a valuable life lesson that has shaped my college experience: People at Grace become like family when you spend time with them.
Interested in a college experience that trumps the stereotypical experience? Need a place to practice these tips for incoming college freshmen? Learn more about Grace College, here.