When we were in high school, college seemed so far away. It was this big adventure that we were about to take and all we knew was what we saw in movies or what we heard from our older siblings and family members. It was all a mystery. Yet, that was the best part.
The first year of college is the best because everything is so new. There are fresh faces, big dreams, new places and new experiences to come and everything is ahead of you. It is and will be one of the most exciting times in your life. Nothing before the moment you step on campus on move-in day will be quite as exhilarating because of the next four years that is about to come your way.
Speaking as a senior graduating early, the past few years have been filled with a number of experiences that I will never want to take back because I've loved most of what I've experienced and/or what I have experienced has been either very eye-opening or just one big learning experience. But, what I know now, I am happy I do.
1. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do "when you grow up"
I was fortunate enough to pick a major so incredibly broad that I could try all different classes and internships to see what I really wanted to do without changing my major. Others aren't as lucky, BUT it's still okay to change your major one, two, or even three times. It may not seem like it at first, but unlike high school, your professors indefinitely care about where you are on your journey and they do not expect you to have everything figured out. The big secret is that nobody does.
2. It's not always like the movies
Don't expect your first college party to be a huge keg fest. It's not always like that. House parties won't always exceed your expectations and some of the things that look cool in movie parties are actually very scary to experience in real life. Also, college doesn't always have to be one big party. You ARE allowed to stay in watch movies, your life doesn't have to be a parade of drama, and getting excited about the classes your taking isn't lame, it's how you know you've declared the right major.
3. You don't have to love your internships
The point of an internship is to find out what you like and don't like in a profession. When your friends are raving about their amazing summer internship and your stuck in an internship that wasn't what you really expected, remember that it is still an experience. Don't take it for granted no matter how much you might hate it. Look for something in it to learn from and try your best to make it work.
4. You don't have to like everything your friends do
Everyone is an individual. If you like something that your friends don't like, that's not a bad thing. It becomes a conversation instead of being disliked for your "different" opinions. Also, it grows your perspective. This is a time to try new things and learn more about the world around you. If you like something or joined a club that you really love, embrace it. This experience is YOUR experience. Please don't take that for granted because your friends don't agree (unless it's morally just wrong or really destructive, then maybe rethink it).
5. It's okay to ask for help
For some reason, so many people have this idea stuck in their heads that you look weak if you ask for help from professors or friends or other peers when in reality, you asking questions will actually make you stronger and smarter in your future decisions. If someone offers help, take it. There's a reason they're asking. Keep your mind open and understand that it's okay to ask or accept help no matter what it's for.
6. You will find your niche
This is no longer high school. This is the beginning of your future and if someone has a problem with you, that's their issue, not yours. You have much more important things to focus on than relationships, fitting in or making sure everyone around you is happy with who you are and how you act. Cliques should be a thing of the past at this point and if that's still going on with people around you, know that they're the ones who need to grow up. Not you. If you stay true to yourself throughout this experience, you won that battle.
7. The world is NOT ending
Sometimes, things will seem like the world is falling down around you. You need to find that outside perspective that shows you that some things are not as bad as they seem. Remember to be thankful for what you have and don't waste the opportunities you have been given because of one really rough patch.
8. Everything happens for a reason
Every single day for the next four years will be a learning experience. Great, even amazing things will happen, but you will have really bad days when you question why you're here and why some things happen to you. Learn from your experiences and try to avoid repetition if you can. Some things that happen are out of your control and that can be disheartening, but know that time heals and life can get better. If it's out of your control, let it be, do what you feel is necessary to deal with it in a healthy way and pick yourself back up. The past is in the past for a reason. Keep moving forward.
9. Push yourself as far as you think you can, but don't overdo it
This is perfect time to test your limits. With school, with work, with activities, to see how many things you can do in one day. This is the perfect time because you're in a relatively controlled environment and if something goes wrong, you know that you can get back on track with just a little help. You can do anything you set your mind to, just be smart about it and make sure you're doing things for the right reasons.
10. This is YOUR experience
This is your experience. I cannot stress that enough. It is your education you're wasting when you skip way too often and it is your responsibility to do well. This isn't an experience to waste. On the other side of this, it is your experience and what you do with it will help you in the future. The relationships you create and the experiences you allow yourself to have will make you stronger, smarter, more strategic and a more rounded person. The point of college is not to come out the same way you went it. You've grown. You've learned. Your actions will decide how your experience will go.
It sounds cheesy, but life really is what you make of it. It's up to you what happens and what doesn't. You have to go after what you want. Don't let your life pass you by without a second glance. It's here. You're here. Make the most of it because this is really the best four years of your life.
