The day I moved into college was hectic to say the least. Everything I needed was moved into a box and I organized my life as best as I could even though deep down I was a complete and total mess because, well, I was starting a whole new chapter in my life all by myself.
So, here's the things they didn't tell us.
1. Goodbye hurts.
It did not hit me till it happened. As my mom hugged me as tight as she could while crying and telling me to be careful and to not do anything stupid, I realized that I'd miss her more than anything in the entire world. And it only got harder as she got in the car with my dad and they drove away. As they left, I watched her look at me and blow me a kiss and that's when I couldn't hold it together anymore. Saying goodbye hurt more than the time I broke my nose on the playground. Every time I go home, it's harder and harder to leave my mom again because it's just that she's my best friend and my entire world. Saying goodbye sucks and just plain out hurts, so, I've decided to just not say it.
2. Not everybody has the same heart as you.
It's just how it is. Cut and dry. Not everybody is kind and not everybody is full of love to give to the world like you. People weren't raised like you. That's alright though because believe me when I say you'll meet some pretty awesome friends still. There are amazing people in this world and you will find them, and when you do, appreciate them. Just know that sometimes people aren't so kind and that's alright. That's the way that the world made them and it's okay not to be friends with them. Do what's in your best interest.
3. You are stronger than you realize.
Maybe it's tough and you're homesick and in need of your family, but that's when you'll realize that you're tough and stronger than you ever thought. College gives you the opportunity to get to know yourself better and know what you want. Take the time and understand that maybe it's hard sometimes, but you made it this far and you'll get to go home soon enough. Be strong and proud and make yourself happy.
4. It's not as bad as they make it out to be.
Sure, there's going to be the nights where you have to eat nasty ramen noodles and pull an all nighter hyped up on Red Bull and pure stamina to finish a last minute paper. There are also going to be the nights where you have the time of your life. You'll dance and sing your lungs out and sure, have a drink or two. So yeah, college has its moments and time to crack down, but it'll also allow you time to see the stars and feel on top of the world.
5. Math sucks.
There's not much to say about this. It is what it is. Math sucks a lot, but you'll get through it eventually.
6. Always wash your clothes in hot water.
Do not learn this the hard way like I did. Hot water, large load for more water and only one Tide pod at a time. Please, trust me on this. But, if the jeans are new, wash them in cold water the first time unless you plan on losing an extreme amount of weight.
7. Not everybody is religious.
Catholic school did not prepare me for this. After living in a bubble of Catholicism for the four years of high school, it never really occurred to me that others may or may not believe in God and whether they do or don't doesn't make them a bad person or change. Accept them for how they come.
8. You will miss home cooking.
The cafeteria food is not the same as your mom's or whoever it is. After coming back from the long Labor Day weekend, this became very apparent to me after my mother made me brownies and pasta to take back with me. Every day I miss my mom's cooking because there's something about the love she gives in making it that doesn't show up in the school food. Appreciate good, home-cooked food.
9. Times flies.
When I look back on my first semester of college, I realize how so much has changed and how quickly it all went by. Be thankful for the time because you can't stop it. You can only watch it go by with a smile.
10. Love yourself and love life.
I don't think I need to explain this one.
I am so happy to have learned all these things and more from my first semester of college.
