College rocks. There is just no argument against that. I mean yeah certain aspects of it are not so enjoyable, but overall college has proven to be exactly what everyone said it would be- "the best time of my life". When I moved away to school I had no idea how much knowledge I would gain from just a few months of being on my own. Some of the information I have acquired is super "important" like the shape of organic molecules or that babies almost triple their body size in the first year of life, which is part of the reason they do not start walking until around one years old. But some of the things I have learned are much more valuable, like in the dining hall "when in doubt, cereal it out." Here is a list of my 12 most important lessons learned which have absolutely nothing to do with my major.
1. Two-ply toilet paper is a prize possession.
I mean honestly the stuff they have in the dorms is worse than the tissue used to wrap gifts with. Also, the stuff that I buy on my poor college kid budget (from the dollar store or the way off brand) just doesn't make me happy. When I go home and see that ultra soft two-ply I am overwhelmed with excitement.
2. Public bathrooms are as gross as you think they are.
I have seen far too many girls "go number two" then leave without washing their hands. I baby barf a little bit every single time. Do the thing you used to make fun of your grandma for, use a paper towel or your sleeve to touch the door handle.
3. Always carry an umbrella.
Especially in North Carolina. I have literally walked into class with not a cloud in sky at 78 degrees, and walked out to 60 degrees and it raining sideways because of the heavy wind.
4. Things only break when you need them the most.
Paper due in your next class? Printer is suddenly out of ink. 11:59 test submission deadline? WiFi is out at 11:30, "should be fixed by the morning" though.
5. "Adulthood" is really just being a grown up kid.
We all really have no idea what we are doing. It's okay though, because everyone is going through the same thing. Learn something new every day. Example- yesterday I discovered that cookies make studying suck less. Go cookies.
6. I can attend almost any event if I get free food or a free t-shirt for it.
Birth control seminar? Why not, I got a shirt out of it. Meet your neighbors party? Why not, there is gonna be cake.
7. Going home is more exciting than going downtown.
Four words: Fresh sheets.... Clean Laundry. Let's not to mention real food. Enough Said.
8. Call your grandparents.
It makes them so happy to hear how much fun you are having and that you are finally accomplishing what you have talked about since you were a little kid. It will also make your day hearing their voice, every piece of home makes you feel a little more complete. Also, it really feels good to hear how proud they are of you. Sometimes hearing them say that will be your motivation to put one foot in front of the other and get through the day.
9. It's okay to skip a shower if you really need the sleep.
Please don't make this a regular habit, but I promise 50 percent of the people in your class did the same thing. Ten minutes to get ready includes clean underwear and brushing your teeth, but that extra sleep makes everything so much easier.
10. Always ask for help when you need it.
People are really understanding. If you are lost, ask for directions. If you aren't sure about an assignment, go to office hours. Chances are your professors don't mind explaining the directions in a different way if you just go to office hours and ask. They might even give you a few extra pointers for how to score big on the assignment.
11. Always help when you can give it.
It's good karma, and everyone needs good karma.
12. Be yourself.
In college (and life) you meet so many different kinds of people. Not everyone is going to like you, and that is okay. My mom gave me some great advice in high school. She said "it is none of your business what they think about you". That was the best advice I have gotten so far. It is absolutely none of your business what someone else thinks, so don't let it bother you for too long. Don't be the average face that no one will remember. Smile a little bigger, laugh a little harder, and enjoy things a little deeper. Life is short, so make yours a good one.
