Hope Osborn is a senior human development and family studies major with a minor in theatre from Milbank. She’s involved with Pius XII Newman Center, State University Theatre, SDSU Concert Choir, Jacks for Life and Alpha Psi Omega.
Two years have come and gone and I can hardly believe I’m beginning my final year at South Dakota State University. Since beginning college in 2019, I have shared various tips, experiences and advice on Rabbit Food. However, there are some things I wish I’d known when I was younger.
I hope this year’s incoming students can learn from me and find the advice I’d give to myself helpful to them as they begin this new, exciting chapter in their lives.
Dear Younger Me … you are who you hang out with.
Studies show that we are the sum of the five people we hang out with most.
Make sure to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. Find friends who push you, encourage you, study with you, support you, cry with you and laugh with you. Friends who’ll support you in any hardship and go on a midnight ice cream run with you. Real friendships make a huge difference.
Dear Younger Me … playtime is just as important as study time (when done correctly).
It’s tempting to spend all your time studying and it’s tempting to spend all your time not studying. Striking a balance is important to your social and emotional wellbeing as well as your academic achievement. Make sure to study as needed but give your brain a break and explore Brookings with those newfound friends. Take a walk in McCrory Gardens, go to a football game, participate in Hobo Day festivities, explore downtown, take a road trip, etc.
Dear Younger Me … It’s O.K. (and encouraged) to use resources on campus.
SDSU truly cares about its students, which is why there are a wide variety of campus resources available for you. Visit the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services, Information Exchange, Wintrode Student Success Center, the Math Help Center, supplemental instruction, etc. when you need! One I’d recommend checking out, no matter who you are or where you’re at, would be the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services. These are free to students, and there is nothing wrong with seeing a counselor to help you with any problem, big or small.
The cost of most services is included in your tuition!
Dear Younger Me … be intentional with your time.
This piece of advice I learned only recently. You could get involved with every single club, organization and activity, but your time spent is not worth anything if not done intentionally. If you’re burnt out, you cannot truly dedicate yourself to your activities. Get involved, but don’t get in over your head. Balance your activities with your schoolwork as well as taking care of yourself, so you can show up as the best version of yourself to everything you’re involved in.
Don’t worry, new Jackrabbits. I know this step can seem daunting. You will learn so much in the first year, month, and even day of being on campus. One day you can look back and think about what you’d tell your younger self.
For now, learn from me, and remember: it’s always a great day to be a Jackrabbit.
