Congratulations to all of you college bound freshmen. You should be very proud of yourself for having the opportunity to compete on a college swim team.
Our policy at American College Connection is to stay with our swimmers and parents until the swimmers complete college. Part of our program is to provide our swimmers with Life Skills tips once they sign with a school and to help them understand what life will be like as a college student-athlete.
Here is an article on “Homesickness.”
Homesickness
Webster defines homesickness as a longing for home and family while absent from them.
Here are some simple facts about homesickness:
- It is real
- It is perfectly natural
- It is difficult to deal with at the time, but it really doesn’t last too long
- It is something that everyone goes through it at some point in their lives
- It is not fatal
- It is inevitable
Being away from home for the first time is an experience much like the recruiting process. You can go “nuts” or you can make the best of it. It is strictly up to you.
Going away to school is one of your first real tests in life. There is only one attitude to have about the test, suck it up, grow up and take advantage of a great opportunity. I don’t mean to be hard on you, but this is one of those times in life where you need someone to tell you what to do.
So here are some do’s and don’ts:
- Don’t sit in your dorm room. Get out and meet new people, not just swimmers.
- For the first time in your life you get to reinvent yourself.
- You can be whomever you choose to be.
- Embrace this great opportunity to make a life for yourself.
- Don’t be scared, but rather welcome this new adventure with open arms.
- Ask for help before you need it.
- Get excited.
- Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
- Stay on top of your academics…don’t dig yourself a hole!
- The first few months on a college athletic team is very critical to the formation of life-long bonds with new friends.
- You are one of the privileged few who get to experience a great education and a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a college athletic team.
- Don’t be lazy, eat healthy and get plenty of rest.
- Call home often, but don’t go home often during the first year.
- Be proud of yourself!
- Let your club and high school coach know how much you appreciate what they have done for you.
- Be sure and let your parents know that you love them.
Hang in there. You can make it. It’s time for you to fly!
