Let's be real, college is SO much different than what we all expected it to be. Through my senior year of high school, I was told what to expect from college; however, nothing could have truly prepared me for what was to come. I was almost blind to what college was really like. There are countless things I have learned in the past two semesters, but there are 10 specific things that I have been enriched by the most. These are things you will learn as well:
1. Who you were in high school is NOT who you are.
This is so important. In high school, there are many factors to take into consideration. Self-esteem is one of them. Most people in high school have low self-esteem, even if we don't realize it. Self-esteem drives all of our actions, feelings, or thoughts in high school. High school is a time where acceptance is top priority. We are told what the "norm" is, and if we go by anything else, we are "weird." In college, I came to realize that I can be whoever I want to be. There is no standard that I am held to, you are 100% responsible for yourself. You can be whoever you wish to be. You feel like you have actually found yourself, your true self, and there is no better feeling in my opinion.
2. Time management.
Ahh yes, this is a big one. Time management isn't an option in college. Whether you are involved in organizations or not, classes alone require time management skills. This was what I was most nervous about coming in as a Freshman. How would I manage to balance a job, a sorority, 15 credit hours and family obligations? Would I even have a social life? One thing you learn pretty quickly in college is your ability to manage time. It doesn't take long to learn your limits, figure out a daily routine, and feel comfortable doing so. It almost comes at a shock at how good you can become at it. If I can do it, you can definitely do it too.
3. You can actually enjoy your classes.
"Whoa, this is unheard of in high school. You mean to tell me that you can actually like learning something??" Well, yes. The big difference between high school and college is the fact that you can choose what you want to learn about. In high school, we had common core, which listed all the class requirements, not taking into consideration what the student is interested in. In college, you are on a certain career path. This is based on what YOU are comfortable with learning. Being a Psychology major makes going to class actually fun. I get to learn about stuff that I am passionate about. I get all of this information that I have never had the choice to get before. It is a powerful feeling.
4. Some classes you just have to get through.
On the contrary, I learned that you will have melt downs because you are lost in a class that you hate. But I also learned that it is okay. Sometimes there are classes that you will honestly dread. With that being said, it is important to spend a little more time on it. You will get through it. You just have to put in the effort.
5. College is a time to decide what you want to do with your life. It is okay to be uncertain for a while.
When I came in as a freshman, I had my life planned out. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to pursue and I felt confident. Then, half-way through the semester I realized that I hated what I was doing. I hated all of my classes and realized that this was not at all what I wanted out of college. I have since found a career path that I am in love with. The thing about college is you don't really know until you "know." It is a stressful but beautiful thing.
6. Life gets rough but you'll get through it.
College is like the first taste of the real world. Quite frankly, the world sucks sometimes. I can't count the amount of times I have had a mental breakdown in the library bathroom. The stress of school is a lot. Then when you start to add thousands of dollars of debt, it can easily become overwhelming. It will get overwhelming, but this also gives you a chance to grow. You will be surprised what you are capable of. Not to mention all of the services and student loans provided to help you out. So even on your worst days in college, you are going the extra mile to further your education, which takes dedication. That is something to be proud of.
7. You meet your true friends.
Let's think about this for a minute. College stress can make you very unapproachable. The friends that are there for you in college are people that will easily be there for you for the worst of times. The people you meet have the same types of goals as you. They see potential in themselves and they see potential in you. You find a lot of the times that you have a lot in common. Whether it be a roommate or someone you met in biology class, the people you meet in college change your life for the better.
8. Negativity does not belong in your life.
When I got to college, I felt as if I had finally gained control of my life. This is a time where you learn that you can stand up for yourself and that you can be who you are. This is the time you are finding yourself, so there shouldn't be anything that holds you back. Getting rid of the negative people and thoughts in your life will allow you to not only grow as a person, but learn to love yourself. You start to realize your worth. That you are special. That you are strong. That you are brave. Once you have that confidence, you begin to do great things.
9. Patience.
Professors are not always going to hand back your exam the next time class meets. Sometimes you have to wait for things. Sometimes, you won't get the grade that you wanted and you will have to learn to give it more time. There are good and bad days in college. Everyone has those days. You can make up your grade but it will take time. Sometimes, you may sit there for hours and hours studying the same few French words that you just can't remember. Things take time. You learn that very early on.
10. You are extraordinary.
You are smart. You are dedicated. You have potential. You start gaining confidence in yourself. You are going the extra mile to better yourself. You are putting yourself in stressful situations so that you can grow. You are amazing. You are talented. You've made it this far and this is only the beginning. You start to become the best version of yourself. No one deserves that credit except for yourself.
If you are a freshman and you are having doubts and insecurities, just remember these things. Everything takes time to learn. But once you learn these things, you will be glad you did. Stay positive.
