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Having graduated from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and spending time with plenty of high school and college seniors over the years, I think I have a little insight to help this year’s college Freshman navigate their future college scene. 

Here is what you want to know:

1. Get a Professional Photograph Taken for Your College Application & College ID Badge 

Before you apply for college, you must make sure that you get a professional photograph taken for your applications. Of course, this is something that I can help you with. 

When I do a high school senior photoshoot, I always take a few headshots, just for this reason. Headshots can be very helpful for your LinkedIn profile page as well. 

2. Never Stop Learning

Life is an endless learning experience. I love learning new things. That is something I look forward to everyday. I am usually reading 2-3 books at the same time (some for fun, some for growing my knowledge base), and I try to attend a few seminar classes each month.  

College is the perfect place to grow and experience new things. Embrace it. Yes, it is a lot of hard work and some days are more challenging than others. But the more that you welcome every learning opportunity, the more you will get out of your life’s journey. 

3. Understand That Everyone Has a Different Path

Fun fact: I had a high school graduating class of 15 people. Yep. This is because I went to a private school that modeled their learning curriculum around smaller classrooms. Honestly, it was too small for me. I would dream about having more choices for classes, more clubs to join, and more things to try. 

The University of Georgia (UGA) fit me like a glove (35,000 strong in the undergrad student body alone). I was in heaven. But this may not be everyone’s life path. My high school counselor tried to talk me out of going to UGA by saying that I would just be a number. I was totally fine with that if it meant that I could have the hustle-and-bustle energy of a small city as my campus backdrop. I was ready. 

But if a smaller school fits your goals and dreams, then the faster that you know that, the better. Only you know what feels right for your heart. Your high school friends may be on another path, and that is okay. You will make new friends while getting to stay in touch with the older ones. Life always has a way of working-out. Enjoy the journey.