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10 Tips for Freshmen Girls

I decided to write this list because I'm a senior now, and as a freshman in college I wish someone would have told me this.

1. Don't spend too much time or energy on dressing up for you classes. It's ok to look nice and get all dolled up. But sometimes it's more ok to focus on your grades and on sleep than on your appearance. Besides, your Father in heaven thinks you are stunning, and really, after you hear that from the creator of the universe, what else matters?

2. Leggings are not pants. If I can read what's printed on your underwear we have a problem. Just wear something that covers your butt. Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, just put on some pants!

3. Call your parents. No, I'm serious. At least once a week call them. Maybe even surprise them one weekend with a visit. College is new and exciting for you, but they miss you. Especially your mom, so call them. Even if it's just to say hi and remind her of that silly inside joke y'all have.

4. Don't date your first semester. Get yourself grounded in God and in a good ministry with Christ-filled friends and get your schedule figured out with appropriate study times. Fall in love with Jesus and get a feel for campus life. Meet new people and do something you've never done before (like learn to play the ukulele, haha). You change a lot in your first year of college. Don't wrap yourself up to quickly in somebody else to find that in a few months both of you are incompatible. Also, if you insist on dating, please please date someone who loves Christ first, but that's a whole other blog post.

5. Get well acquainted with how to cook using a coffee pot and an iron. Bonus! - cook ramen and leave out the salt packet, 1 spoonful of peanut and some sarachi sauce and you have Pad Thai!

6. Spend time every day with God. Meet Him in his word, he desires fellowship with you.

7. Learn what it means to worship in the classroom. Integrity is a big part of your walk with Christ. Turn papers in on time, be prepared for class, be on time. Small things can go a long way.

8. Don't spend so much time on facebook and on your phone. Love people, love a lot people and let people pour into you. Face to face, over coffee, on a late night walk through campus, but not on your phone.  

9. Enjoy your time in the dorms. I know it sucks sometimes, the washers break, the dining hall food gets old, you're so tired of your roommate never taking out the trash. I get it, trust me I've lived in the dorms for 3 years. When though, will you ever have another time in your life when you are surrounded by college students 24/7 that are desperate for the gospel? Use this time as a ministry opportunity. Love them hard.

10. The victim card is never ever cute or funny and it gets old fast. Don't be afraid to be strong. Your strength comes from the Lord, don't hide your light. Let the Spirit shine through you.

Bonus* - you are worth it. God's love makes you worthy, you are enough. Your identity is not found in the mirror or in grades or in your boyfriend or what parties you went to. Your identity is found in Christ. Own it.

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