College is more than just overpriced textbooks, long lectures, and all-nighters. It's a whole new chapter in your life. College is the time where you leave the place and people you have known for 17 plus years and discover who you are but most importantly it is the time where you learn some of life's greatest lessons. After being in college for the past year, there are 10 important lessons that I have learned lessons that no textbook could ever teach me.
1. You don't have to have everything figured out
If you know me personally, you would laugh at the fact that I am giving this of piece of advice. I am the type of person where every little detail planned out. And to be honest, it was very hard for me to accept that everything did not have to be figured out before my first day of college. But believe me when I say this, everything does not and will not be figured out. Never feel like you have to know exactly what major you're going to declare, or what you're going to do right after undergrad because life is full of surprises and things will change. After the first year, I realized that everyone around me is trying to figure out their life and while you may have one plan, fate has another and you just have to go with the flow.
2. Be open to change
As I said before, you do not and will not have everything figured out so change is inevitable. As Lao Tzu once said "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."
3. Find a balance
College has taught me the importance of balancing my academics with my social life. There are times where you have to "treat yo self." This means going out with friends, or binge watching your favorite show on Netflix. I realized the importance of rewarding myself because there were times where I was going insane and needed a break from my school work. I promise you, rewarding yourself every now and then will be beneficial for your mental health and well being.
4. You're never too old for a nap
Remember when you were 4 or 5 years old, and you used to protest nap time? I know I was that person. In college and as an almost 20 year old, I learned that nap time is essential to not only me but the people around me. In college, you will learn the best naps are the ones that you are able to fit in between classes and be able to feel refreshed afterwards.
5. Don't be hard on yourself
It's no secret that we are our own enemy. But college is a place where we realize who we are and what our true potential is. But in order to become the best person we can be, we have to learn to forgive ourselves. One of the best lessons I learned in college is that nobody is perfect. Not me, the person next to me, or my professor. But I had to learn this lesson the hard way. There were times where I would push myself past my limit and try to be perfect to the point where I was damaging myself mentally. It took me a while to realize that I wasn't always going to get straight A's, or that I will work on a paper for weeks on end only to get a mediocre grade, or not that everyone will like me. But that is ok. Our mistakes are what makes us human and we have to learn to forgive ourselves. I know this is something easier said than done, but once you learn to forgive yourself and not be so hard on yourself, things will be so much easier and more enjoyable.
6. There is no place like home
I remember once I was a senior in high school, I always found myself saying that I couldn't wait to leave my town. But once I moved away, I started to miss the little things like the little shops in the town, or the restaurants that were only unique to where I was from, but most importantly, I missed my family. Nothing beats going home to the people who love you, or to home cooked meals, or to your comfy bed. College has taught me that you are never too old to miss home.
7. You figure out who your real friends are
The truth is, friends come and go and eventually you will realize that quality is more important than quantity. I always thought my friends in high school would be my best friends for forever. But since finishing my first year of college, some of those friends stayed but the majority went their separate ways. And you know what? It's ok because by seeing those who stayed and those who didn't, I realized who my true friends are. The friends from back home that stayed in my life I know I can trust the most. I also realized that those friends who stayed or even came into my life recently and have been by my side are more than just friends, they are family and I wouldn't have made it through college without them.
8. Find your place
College is a scary place and the only way to make it more comfortable is to find the one thing that you're passionate about. Whether it be Greek life or a club, there is something out there for everyone. For me, I found my place within my fraternity. I decided to join the pre- law professional fraternity. It was the best decision I have ever made because not only did I find my place, but I was fortunate enough to meet such an amazing group of people.
9. It's ok to let go
Letting go is probably one of the things that everyone struggles with. We are faced with the struggles of wondering what would happen if we let go. But there comes a point in time, whether in college or even after college where we need to take a step back and make that decision to let go. Never hold onto something or someone that is toxic in your life. Believe me, once you let go, you will be in control of your life again.
10. Don't let anything get in the way
In college, it's all about you. Don't worry about what your friends are doing because in the end, it's your life not theirs. So, never let anything get in the way of your path to achieving your goals and most importantly take every opportunity that comes to you.
11. Always be proud of who you are
This was one of the biggest lessons that I struggled to learn my first year of college. I found myself sitting in class always afraid to speak because I thought something dumb was
12. Live life with no regrets
My mom would always tell me "live everyday like it's your last." This is probably the best lesson I learned both at home and at college because the only way I or anyone will get the full college experience is to live life with no regrets.
