Freshmen Friday: Friends and Life in Lubbock

Incoming Freshman,
                             
Congratulations! Earning the Terry Scholarship is something you should be extremely proud of, it’s an honor and an extraordinary blessing to all of us. 
 
Here are some helpful hints to aid you on this journey of becoming a Red Raider…
 
Bring rain boots. Or snow boots. Or something that works for both. The weather in Lubbock is crazy! As a panhandle native, I thought I knew what to expect weather-wise. I was so wrong! While Lubbock has lots of beautiful sunny days, nothing can prepare you for the instantaneous flooding that takes place when it rains or the amount of dirt that can blow through the air. I would recommend downloading a reliable weather app on your phone that will alert you when severe weather is expected. There is nothing worse than unexpectedly trenching through knee high waters after a full day of class.
 
DO NOT buy books brand new. I was too shy to post on the Terry Facebook page about books my first semester, and really wish I would have. It is highly likely that there is at least one Terry who has taken your class and has the book you need - just ask. Maybe they'll share notes too!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about other things on the Terry Facebook page either. It’s a really great resource!
 
Get to know your roommates, and make your common area home-y. Murray is one of the best dorms to live in, and the living room space is an added bonus that most freshman don’t have. Take advantage of it!
 
Have your mom, grandmother, sister, or whomever review laundry room etiquette and show you how to work Murray's washer and dryer before they leave! I know this sounds dumb, but you would be surprised how many people don’t know that drying their clothes on high heat for all 180 minutes is not a good idea. And please, do your laundry.
 
If your class has SI sessions, just go. Trust me, they have them for that class for a reason! Reading the textbook for said class can also be very helpful. If you have difficult classes, you may struggle more than you expect at first, and that’s totally okay. Your college courses will likely require you to learn new study habits that are different and more extensive than what you may be used to. Don’t worry, you’ll adapt quickly! Don’t be afraid to ask for help either, everyone around you wants you to succeed.
 
Try new things and get involved on campus! Texas Tech has clubs and activities for everyone and everything. Be brave and jump right in to whatever interests you. Participating in things you enjoy is one of the best ways to make new friends who share similar interests. There is always something to do around here, and that’s one of the most fun aspects of college.
 
The Terry Scholarship is such a blessing, so don't let it become a burden! At first it made me feel pressured to do better and be better than all my peers, but that isn't the case at all. Being a Terry Scholar doesn't mean you don't have room to fall, it just means that you have a huge group of really great people to catch you. Also, don't be disappointed if you aren't instant best friends with all of the TTU Terry Scholars. We are an extremely diverse group, from many different backgrounds and with many different interests. You may not hit it off at first like you expect, and that's okay! You will find your people, Terry's and others. No matter what, the Terrys will always be there for you if you ever need it. 
 
These tips are just a fraction of what your college experience will be like. In just a few short months, you will get to rediscover yourself and how you do daily life, and most of that has to be experienced and learned on your own. It’s beautiful, stressful, exhilarating, interesting, and exhausting all at once! No advice can really prepare you for the greatness you will soon experience.
 
Good luck Red Raiders and Terry Scholars. We cannot wait for you to be here. Welcome home!  

Callie Hawkins