I was recently going through photos we took on our family getaway, and I was overwhelmed with the reality. I have five grown children! I know my youngest is 13, but she still looks very grown-up! I was particularly taking note of Samantha because I knew she was putting together some tips for other young women at college and university. I can see this thread in her life: strength, determination, gentleness, persistence, creativity, and wisdom. Samantha is dependable loyal and kind and she is also absolutely hysterical! I love to laugh with her and journey through various adventures in life, from going out to get a coffee to Planning bridal showers for her cousin, road trips to the cottage, and cooking together! I am so thankful for her in my life. What you were going to read today did not come overnight. This has come through many years of trials and challenges, victories, and defeats. The world is just a hard place! And she has experienced a lot of hardship. But she has persevered, and she now finds herself in a third year university and beginning to be able to look back and reflect on how she has made it through to the stage I know she would tell you that if it weren’t for family and friends, holding her close and being there for her, it would’ve been a very empty and lonely journey. I know God has kept her and he will not let her go! Thanks for joining us on the blog today, introducing Samantha Macgregor!

Check out her last post: Anxiety Part Three: A Daughter’s Reflection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for University Students from Samantha Macgregor 

WHAT WOULD I SAY TO MY FIRST-YEAR SELF

Going off to university is such an exciting time, but it can also present several challenges and uncertainties as you navigate this big new step. Here are some tips from Samantha Macgregor–a third-year university student–for those of you who are about to embark on this brand-new life! 

  1. If I could talk to my first-year self, I would say don’t stress so much about making everyone else happy. Do what you know is best foryou         which sometimes could mean saying no to a variety of social events and not giving into peer pressure. 

 2. Because we live in a post-COVID world, there is a significant leaning to online courses. This means less face-to-time time with              c             classmates, so get creative with them and go to a coffee shop to watch the online lecture together! 

3.  Take care of yourself mentally. If you don’t take care of your mental health, you will not be able to care for yourself physically, and your            education will suffer. 

4. University comes with challenges whether it be people or school, so having the mentality of letting go and realizing you can’t control                 everything will enable you to know how to properly deal with certain situations that are hard. 

5. Don’t be afraid to get involved in school. Even simple things like engaging with your surroundings, or going for a walk and soaking in the new places you find. 

 

6. Get familiar with your campus!  

7. Take time to acknowledge the simplicity of enjoying independence.  

8. You don’t need to have a bunch of friends to feel at home. Just a few is great…quality over quantity!  

9. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your professors and utilize university resources, like meeting with TAs and profs during office hours.  

10. Find a hobby/volunteer/job. GIving back in a new town creates a sense of fulfillment