Everyone, and I mean everyone, goes through some type of change through college. That can mean becoming more of an adult or leaving old friends behind. No matter what experiences your college years bring to you, you'll expect to look back at your first day of freshman year and shake your head at the vulnerable and enthusiastic version of yourself you picture. These changes are to be expected, even though they are probably the most challenging part of the whole experience. For me, I've found at least 10 ways college has changed me for better or worse.
1. I'm O.K. being alone
In high school just the thought of not having one of my best friends in class would hike up my anxiety. Now, three years later as a college senior, I'd rather eat alone. I'd rather sit in the Union and procrastinate by watching Netflix without the company of another person. It's not that I don't enjoy the company of my friends, because I love them. Its more of the fact that I've come to the realization that there are some things in life you have to do alone. My success is simply that- mine. I can't count on the presence of another person to get me good grades so I can get a decent job after graduation.
2. Sweatpants for days
I'll wear the same sweatpants to class three days in a row. My clothing decisions do not affect my learning abilities in any way. Plus, that sleep deprivation has me rushing in the morning because getting out of bed is my daily struggle.
3. Partying is not my forte
To be completely honest, I don't find drinking fun and I usually find extremely drunk people to be annoying. I'd rather call over four of my closest friends, and play clue until it's 2 A.M.. There is no drive for me to get extremely trashed to the point where I black out and hear about all the embarrassing things I slurred. I think the last time I had any alcohol was Christmas 2015, when I had a Mimosa with my mom.
4. No one is forever
I'd lost a lot of people I thought would be in my life forever. College taught me that the only person I can depend on 100% is myself and that's O.K.
5. I've become more motivated
I mean, how many people do you know that can say they finished their bachelor's degree in three years? When you're responsible for your own education and basically every other aspect of your life, you really start to care more than you ever did in high school
6. Increased writing ability
Just three years ago, I struggled handing in a high school research paper on time. I thought I would never get an A in any English or writing class. When you have papers and projects due almost every other day, you improve dramatically. Not to mention here I am writing for millions of readers every week.
7. I can successfully "adult"
I had to work my way through college just to make tuition payments each semester. Sometimes that mean 40 or more hours a week and sometimes that meant two or more jobs. I sacrificed hours of sleep and even time with my family just to further my education. I won't come out of college debt-free, but I will have the worth ethic and financial skills to pay it off as fast as possible.
8. Organization Master
If I don't know that's going on at least a week in advance, I get stressed out. It's ridiculous because most of my stress comes from events that haven't even happened yet. I've learned how to keep a hectic class and work schedules from overlapping and causing chaos. My life depends on my detailed, color-coded planner.
9. I can accept failure
When I don't get a grade I like or get flour all over me while making muffins, I know when it's time to take a break. Some days are just meant to be horrible and I can't be perfect at everything. That's a life lesson I learned very quickly in college.
10. I can say "No"
No, I can't work the night before an exam. No, I can't watch this entire season with you on Netflix. No, I cannot help you with your paper, since I have to work on my own. Making everyone else happy on leads to my own unhappiness. Sometimes, you just have to say no.
