Freshmen Survival Tips- The Butterfree Code Part 2
- Marisol Consuegra
- Aug 22, 2016
- 4 min read
Following my recent obsession with Pokemon Go, I thought it was about time that I finally watched the original TV series Pokemon (now called Pokemon: Indigo League). Since I’ve started watching, one character in particular has stuck out to me. With orientation just a couple days away, and with my own arrival in Boston and adjustment to college not far from my mind, Butterfree’s inspiring bravery and positive attitude is something worth consideration. Throughout the whole show, Butterfree proved to be brave, curious and unique—and that’s what you should do to survive your freshmen year!
Be Brave
Despite spending most of its time with Ash, Butterfree was brave enough to break away, say goodbye, and follow his dreams as an independent pokemon. In the episode “Bye Bye Buttefree,” Ash and the gang discover that it’s Butterfree mating season. Upon winning the heart of a pink Butterfree, Butterfree (now dashingly adorned with a yellow scarf, I might add) must say goodbye to his best friend Ash. In a tear-jerking and bittersweet scene, Ash and Butterfree say their final goodbyes, but they know that happiness lies on the horizon for Butterfree.
Just like Butterfree, you will have a hard time saying goodbye to your family and friends from home. Perhaps for the first time in your life you’re living away from what’s familiar for an extended period of time. But be brave! Good things are waiting on the horizon.
Soon, you’ll meet all kinds of people that will enrich your life in excited and unexpected ways. Soon, you might join that club, or sorority, or fraternity that will change your life and stay with you forever. Soon, you may stumble upon that subject that stimulates you like no other, and may set the course of your future. If you’re lucky enough, you even may find your own pink Butterfree.
Orientation will be your time to evaluate who you want as friends and what image of yourself you’ll want to establish. However, while college is a time of self-rediscovery and -redefinition, don’t be afraid to be yourself, don’t feel like you have to alter yourself for anyone. Stay true to yourself and your true friends will stay with you. I remember that during my orientation week I sometimes spoke softly and timidly, while other times I was aggressive and loud. I wanted everyone to accept me so I imitated their behavior the way they treated me. By the end of orientation week, I had added more than 100 “friends” on Facebook but I couldn’t remember the conversations I had with them. I was so caught up trying to impress and feign similarity that I missed the whole point of making honest, lasting connections.
Be Curious
During its time as a Caterpie, Butterfree dreamt at length about evolving to its final form. Shortly after being caught in the Veridian Forest, Caterpie longingly looks at the moon and tells Pikachu of its desire to become Butterfree. When the time was right, after Caterpie proved itself against the dastardly Jesse and James of Team Rocket, Caterpie evolved into a Metapod, followed quickly its transformation into Butterfree. Just like Caterpie, don’t be scared to try something new—it just might help you grow! If you go to a club fair, consider joining a club you wouldn’t have otherwise thought about. What you find might surprise you! Once at a fair, I approached the table for a club called “Balance Your Life.” I felt like a hypocrite with thoughts in my mind of the copious amounts of french fries I had been eating, and the not-so-copious amount of exercise I had been doing. I told myself there was nothing I could contribute to that club. But nonetheless I approached them and ended up joining their club. By my second semester I was their Discussion Coordinator. You’ll never know how interesting something might be unless you give it a go.
The same applies to classes. If you’re able, pick classes you think you wouldn't like. It’s not a bad idea to investigate a class, and if you are not interested then simply drop it and move. I know this is easier said than done, but keep it in mind. Of course it is important to get your general education requirements out of the way—but trust me—once you pick your major, it will be much more difficult to experiment with classes. Maybe fill your arts requirement with a Kiniwe class, or your math requirement with Math of Social Choice, or your natural science requirement with Astronomy. These are just a few examples of the numerous exciting and unanticipated classes that might fall below your radar.
Be Unique
Ultimately, you got to be yourself! Shine under your own light! Just like Butterfree was able to pursue his own independent path, so can you. Find the study space that works best for you. Whether its the library or the lawn, don’t hesitate to follow your heart. The world has now become much bigger, and you’ll feel pulled in every different direction. Follow the compass in your heart. If you choose your own way, you’ll never be lost.
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*pictures and gifs found on google.com
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