It's crazy how much a person can grow and change in a year. Before I left for my freshman year of college, I was set in my ways, perfectly content in my comfort zone, thinking that in my mere 18 years of life I had all the answers. I didn't consider myself perfect, and I never claimed that I was 'never wrong', it's just, I didn't think one year of college could have changed me as much as it did.
These are 10 things that I've learned in my first year of college:
1. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone.
College isn't high school. I'll say it again -- college isn't high school. Most people feel they have to act a certain way in order to be accepted in high school, wear certain clothes, drive a certain car. Screw that -- this is college! We all just want our diplomas and to have fun (during the best four years of our lives) while working for them. If you want to roll out of bed hungover in sweatpants and mismatched socks and go to your 8 a.m., do it, you won't be judged.
2. Family time is so much more important.
In high school, it was so easy to blow off your parents and go out with friends, skip family dinner to drive around -- no final destination in mind -- windows down, car full, blasting your favorite music, wasting gas and probably going way too fast. It was easy for your eyes to be glued to your phone, scrolling through Instagram, when you should have been engaging in conversation with the people around you who love you the most -- your family.
When I'm at school, I look back on those high school years and regret not spending more time with my parents. I mean, I'm glad I had a social life in high school, made memories, went to football games, and all that, but at the same time, most of those memories were made with people I barely keep in contact with now. Being away at school makes you long for the little moments with the people who matter the most.
3. Trust your intuition.
"Always listen to your gut," my dad would say basically every time I left the house in high school to head out to a party or somewhere he wasn't exactly too fond of, and he said the same thing on my first day of college right before he drove away. I always assured him that I would, but never really thought about what it meant or how important that advice was. Having the amount of freedom that you do at school is almost overwhelming at firsts and as cheesy as it sounds, you really can't abuse it.
4. It's not a contest.
I can picture high school me, wide-eyed and scrolling through the, "I'm Shmacked" Instagram page: keg stands, funnels, shots that were literally on fire -- I was all excited to party and go wild at college. It's funny though because once you have the opportunity to go out whenever you want, the temptation lessens -- a lot. I honestly found myself staying in more, ordering Chinese food and watching, "Law and Order" in pajamas with friends. Just because you have the opportunity to party doesn't mean you have to.
5. Your social life at home is different.
When you return home, at least where I'm from, you don't want to be "that graduated kid" showing up to high school parties. Well, at least I didn't. If you are, that's OK, but it's also alright to just chill with your family, work, earn some money and kick it with your day one homies.
6. Everyone has a story.
Crazy, right? That everyone has a story? No, but to be honest, college is different because you don't know everyone, you don't know what they've been through, what their childhood was like. That girl you're about to call a slut for wearing that short dress -- she could have overcome an eating disorder and is now learning to love herself and is just starting to embrace her body. Please, don't jump to conclusions.
7. You desire more.
Stop Googling, "what major earns the most money" and start Googling, "where to travel abroad?" Before college, I was obsessing over what to major in, what comforter to buy for my dorm, what clothes I should invest in before I get there -- now, after a year at college, I really feel more well rounded. My desires and priorities have shifted from being materialistic, to things like wanting to see the world, meet new people, laugh hysterically with my amazing friends, go to concerts and make memories.
8. It's OK to not to have all the answers.
Undecided major? Changed your major three times? Crying because you "don't know what to do with your life?" It's OK to be unsure of things. College is honestly all about adapting and learning, and with that comes a lot of new: people, scenarios, events, and predicaments.
9. Don't take anything for granted.
Life is unpredictable: in times of so much worldwide tragedy, no one can afford to not live a day like it's their last. In high school, I'd sleep late on weekends, watch TV, stare at my phone -- no more. Now, I have the urge to make the most of each day and spend my time surrounded by the amazing people that I'm so blessed to even have in my life. Travel, stay up late talking about crazy taboo things, go on hikes, read a book, just do something and don't waste precious time!
10. You have so much potential.
You'll find yourself relishing the little things at school that you accomplish: going to your first class alone and being confident, acing your first exam, not ruining your first load of laundry, deciding on and falling in love with your major. College is a learning experience and you have the world at your fingertips. If you didn't have the potential to achieve great things, you wouldn't have made it this far. You can do it. Learn to give yourself some credit.
