College looks different for everyone who goes. It can be a time full of excitement, a time of stress, a time of opportunity, and most of all, a time where you can truly discover who you are and who you want to be. Yes, we learn a lot of information about the degree that we are working on, but that is not all we are learning about. Actually, the lessons that I have learned on the side have been so significant in who I am today as well as who I am becoming. Here are just a few lessons that I have learned over the past two years of college so far.
1. Exploring your interests and passions
Personally, I have found myself becoming very overwhelmed throughout college as there are so many opportunities and so many options. However, there is so much time in a day. As a freshman, I thought that I would have so much time in a day until I quickly realized that I didn't have as much as anticipated. I became involved in several clubs that I love and have continued to discover more about what I love. It is really important to find what you enjoy whether it be something that you try for a couple months or something that you can turn into a future career or future hobbies. College has been a great way for me to take a step back and learn more about what I truly love.
2. Network and make connections with those around you
At a school like Penn State, there are so many people that we can connect with and learn from. Most everyone that I have come across are always willing to help out college students. Plus who knows what kind of friends you can gain or where these networking opportunities can lead.
3. Find friends who bring out the best in you
Over the past couple of years, I have learned more and more about who my people are and who are not my people. Whenever they tell you that you will lose some friends from high school, that is true. But, you will definitely gain more. There will be some who walk into your life to be a lesson and others who will walk in to be a blessing. I am a firm believer that we need both types of people are important in order to learn more about ourselves. Finding people who love and support you in college are a must and they make life way better and easier.
4. Time management is key
In college, there is nobody around to tell you when to eat, tell you when to do your work, or tell you when to sleep. There is a lot that we have to balance as a college student, so trying to figure out a schedule that works was something that I had to figure out as a freshman.
5. Cooking lessons
Obviously most freshman have meal plans, so cooking is not anything to worry about then. When I got an apartment sophomore year, I began doing my own grocery shopping and cooking for myself. Often times, I eat the same few foods over and over again. However, the same stuff gets old rather quickly. So, discovering new recipes and cooking on my own has been a big step.
6. Living on your own
Getting used to not being with my parents all the time was quite an adjustment, but it has also been so rewarding. Living with three of my best friends has been one of the greatest experiences. I definitely believe that living in a dorm/ an apartment is a major part of the college experiences where we can learn a lot about living with other people besides our parents.
7. It's okay to not know exactly what you want
i am very indecisive where I have many interests with no idea which one I actually want to pursue. There are so many options and it's okay to explore other options. College isn't always meant to be a smooth path. Actually more often than not, it will be a bumpy road. The answer is not always going to be clean and cut. It's okay to change your mind, change your major, explore minor programs, or whatever else you choose. This is something that I continue to struggle with, but I know that there is many other college students that feel the same way. So, if you think you're the only one, remember that you're really not.
8. Work hard, play hard
This one pretty much speaks for itself. Work hard in classes, in work, and towards your dreams. But, also play hard. Take time for yourself and have fun. College is not meant to be all work. Be sure that you're having fun too.
9. Remember your physical health and mental health are still so important
Take time to stay physically and mentally healthy. For me, exercise has become one of my passions. It is where I feel at ease and truly happy. To succeed, we must be fully healthy!
10. Run wholeheartedly towards what you want no matter what anyone else says
There are many people out there who will support you through everything while there will also be ones who try to question you and who won't really be there for you. No matter what, do what you want. Run wholeheartedly towards what makes you happy, not towards what someone else wants you to do. Be confident in your own dreams and go after them.
