Going to a Catholic high school definitely prepared me for the academic intensity of college, but there were several social aspects that I was not prepared to experience in college. A few include...
1. Sex.
At my high school, the sex talk consisted of "wait until marriage." Needless to say, I was not expecting to hear my neighbors go at it at eleven o' clock on a school night.
2. The lack of a dress code.
No, you do not have to have a skirt that touches your knees or a sweater to cover your shoulder when it is flippin' 101 degrees outside. And yes, the men will still be able to get their work done without their eyes falling out of their skull.
3. Diversity.
"What?! There is more than one gay and one black person attending this school?" FYI, even if someone was gay at my school they were too afraid to come out of the closet which, by the way, is devastating. Get gay!
4. Individuality.
This goes along with the lack of a dress code, but I remember getting to college and seeing at least five different hair colors other than brunette or blonde and I almost crapped my pants. Needless to say I am a redhead now.
5. Freedom of speech.
After the incident with Mizzou, our campus held a #BlackLivesMatter rally. Unfortunately this would have been unheard of at my high school. When you're in college you have the freedom to speak out against injustice and stand up for what is right. So keep speaking up. It's your right.
6. Opportunity for growth.
The whole purpose of attending college is to get a degree so that you can hopefully find a career doing what you love. College offers jobs, networking events, internships and other programs that can help you once you graduate. They is plenty of room for you to stretch your intellectual wings.
7. Affirmation from teachers.
My private, Catholic high school loved to brag about the kids who got perfect ACT scores. This would not be an issue if I wasn't forced to attend several ceremonies reminding me that I didn't get a perfect score. I also thought I was a sh*t writer when I got to college because that's what my AP teachers led me to believe. Turns out I'm not half bad in the real world. College professors are pretty good at treating each student equally and pushing everyone to do better instead of just praising one kid who is 'perfect'.
8. An actual dating pool.
Catholic high school boys can usually be described as people who exclusively shop at Big R and are holding a fish in their profile picture. College has a much better dating pool that consists of all kinds of men and women.
9. Adventure.
The good thing about camping is that it's cheap enough for college students and almost everyone in college is down to roast some weenies around a campfire. There are also lots of opportunities to travel through the university to do service work!
10. The ability to be exactly who you are.
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College has made me the happiest I've ever been in my life so far because I am able to be completely me.
I don't have to conform to dress codes or be told what I can and can't talk about. I have more than just two friends. I have independence, individuality, and freedom to express who I am openly without judgement.
