After being in college for about a month, I've learned there are a lot of things that are said in done here that no one seems to pay attention to, but it would have caused a scene in high school.
1. Wearing a tank top.
Somehow in the last few months, boys are able to now focus and learn in school, even if a girl is wearing a tank top.
2. Talk about ways to have safe sex other than abstinence.
Typically in highschool, you only learn enough about sex to know you shouldn't have it, and if you do you'll "get pregnant and die."
3. Call a teacher by their first name.
Most high schools it was looked at as disrespectful if you called a teacher by their first name, and now teachers introduce themselves by their first name.
4. Have completely platonic relationships with boys.
Another weird thing that has happened since high school is you can hang out with boys and no one has any thought or expectation that it is anything more than friends.
5. Preparing freshman on their first days of school.
In high school, your first day is typically filled with anxiety and asking other students where your first class is, but in college, they give you lots of ideas of what to expect and typically a couple days to get to know the campus.
6. Cell phones and computers are allowed in class.
In a growing age of technology it is amazing how many schools still do not allow either of these devices at all, what is also amazing is how in the last three months we have suddenly learned how to not be distracted by them, but use them for educational purposes.
7. Making your own decisions.
Somehow in those few months of summer and then moving to college, you learn how to make your own decisions and take care of yourself. Apparently, we become fully functioning adults when we move out, which can be quite scary.
8. Not being told when your assignments are due.
In high school they focused so much on coaching us through assignments and having us do most in class, but when you get to college most of those decisions you make on your own. You somehow have to learn to keep track of your homework and when you need to submit it, even if you've never had to do that before.
9. Having opinions.
In high school, you are usually expected to sit down in class and listen to the teacher. In college, though you are expected to come into class with your own opinions and be willing to share them.
10. Finally Roommates.
You are no longer living with your parents or guardians, you are now living with someone who is potentially a stranger. This concept is kind of crazy because we were always taught to not talk to those, which would make for a pretty awkward school year. Hopefully, this person becomes one of your best friends because you will be living together for the next year.
