Senior marketing major and The Egg Marketing Manager Meghan O'Mara reflects on her time at UD and offers tips for new Blue Hens.

Being a senior in college comes with a mix of emotions. It’s exciting to think about what’s next, but at the same time you’re trying to soak in every moment while starting to grieve what you’ll soon leave behind. Looking back, I’ve learned so much over my past four years at the University of Delaware. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from my college experience along with advice I wish I had as a first-year student.
 

Get out of your comfort zone

It might sound cliché, but it’s also one of the most important things you can do in college. From introducing yourself to new classmates to giving presentations on topics you just learned or joining a club where you don’t know a single person, growth comes from these uncomfortable moments. There were many times I felt unsure or nervous, but those were also the moments that shaped me the most. If you want to grow, you have to be willing to try new things, even when they feel intimidating.
 

Get involved on campus

College is much more than just the classroom. Whether it’s joining a club, being part of Greek life, playing a sport or getting a job on campus, getting involved is what truly makes the experience memorable. For me, joining my sorority sophomore year introduced me to some of my best friends. Working with Student Life gave me opportunities to attend events, create content and build skills I’ll carry into my career. Some of my best memories didn’t happen in a lecture hall; they happened because I chose to get involved.
 

Start exploring your future early

You don’t need to have everything figured out right away, but trying different things early on can make a difference. Take classes that interest you, apply for internships and don’t be afraid to change your mind. The sooner you start exploring, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to take that next step after graduation.
 

Take care of yourself

For many people, college is the first time living on your own, and that comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s easy to get caught up in everything going on, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Make time to rest, both physically and mentally. Burnout can sneak up quickly and once it does it’s hard to recover. Give yourself the same care and attention you give everything else.
 

Be present

My freshman year wasn’t easy. Being away from home, adjusting to a completely new environment and building new relationships took time. But looking back it all went by so fast. Being present is one of the most important things you can do to appreciate the small moments, the everyday routines and even the challenges. Those are the things that end up meaning the most.
 

If I could go back and tell my freshman self one thing, it would be this: it all goes by quicker than you think. So take a risk, get involved, take care of yourself and build a routine you’re excited to wake up to every day. Most importantly, be present—one day you’ll be a freshman just trying to figure everything out, and the next you’ll be a senior wondering where all the time went.