The college experience is definitely a learning experience; however, I find it funny that I am paying thousands of dollars for various classes when most of what I learned in college wasn't learned in the classroom.
Throughout this year, I have learned...
1. The importance of rain boots. ![]()
Some days, when you are running late and it is pouring rain, you just can't take the time to dodge the puddles.
2. How much I appreciate my family.
It's not just everything they do for me, which is more than I could ever thank them for, but it's my entire relationship with them. Coming to college, you start to realize that you don't have it so bad.
3. How to do laundry.
I mean, I knew how before, but I really got the hang of it in college.
4. How to manage my money.
I realized how much money I don't have, so being frugal is key. Honestly, I'm still not great at this. Sometimes, the mall just calls my name, but I'm a work in progress, right?
5. How to not get enough sleep and still function.
Coffee, coffee, coffee.
6. How to get to a building 10 minutes away in three minutes.
Get those arms pumpin', cut through the grass, and pray your professor is late, too.
7. How to discipline myself.
This took longer for me to learn than many of these other things. In high school, you have teachers constantly reminding you when things are due and parents who are continuously nagging you to do your homework. Believe it or not, that really worked because now, you are on your own. You have to be your own parent, and it can be tough.
8. That saying "no" is OK.![]()
Saying no to going out because you really need to work on something or you are really behind on sleep is not selfish or boring; it's smart. Sometimes, you just cannot handle taking two hours out of your day to go to dinner. The fear of missing out is real, but know your priorities.
9. It is OK to change my mind.
Throughout college, you are on this crazy journey of "finding yourself." Some people are lucky enough to know exactly what they want to do with their life and never stray from that single idea. Some of us are very different. We aren't 100 percent sure what we want, but that's OK. Now is the time to explore your different options and figure that out. It's so much better to change your mind now and end up doing something you love than sticking with something that will leave you unhappy in the long-run.
10. What genuine friendship is like.
The saying, "You will meet your best friends in college," could not be more accurate. There is something about going through the crazy up and downs of college together that brings you so much closer to someone. College brings out the best and the worst in people, which makes these friendships so honest and real. So much happens in college, and it is one of the coolest experiences to not only live with, but to simply do life with your best friends.
So yes, I have learned all about the anatomy human brain and who was President during 1920, but the most valuable lessons I have ever learned were priceless.
