It’s one of every incoming freshman’s biggest fears – at least, I know it was mine upon entering college. I had been told countless times to watch out for the stereotypical fifteen pounds comprised of late nights, unhealthy food, Ian’s Pizza slices and not enough walks up Bascom Hill. Vain? Maybe, but I couldn’t help but wonder, as I moved into my dorm, if finding the balance of eating and exercising was really as difficult as I had been told. I looked around at my newfound sense of freedom and wondered if I really did have the self control I thought I did. As a born-and-raised Wisconsinite (think cheese curds, ice cream, and a heavy drinking culture), high school sports and a strict dance studio had always been there to keep my health in check. Would I still be able to find time to exercise with a rigorous class and social schedule?
Thankfully, the answer was yes. I found that college, and the freedom that comes with it is so much easier to handle than I had expected. Over time, I was able to find my own perfect balance of exercise, rest days, late nights out, and more than a few pizzas. If I was feeling too tired to officially go to the gym, I would walk the long way to class, making sure to trek up Bascom Hill (hello calves). I found that the “freshman fifteen” is a made-up monster, a limiting mindset you have to personally overcome to find what works for you. In fact, I will leave you with one final thought: I have never once regretted eating a Babcock ice cream cone.