As a future teacher and a college student, I’ve learned over the years that much of what you learn in school is not actually taught in the classroom. Sure, you learn math and reading and writing and history and science in the classroom, but what about all those lessons you learn from simply experiencing life? You go through twelve years of school. And then you go on to more school. You’re bound to learn throughout those years, right?

1. How to go out of your comfort zone.
   1. Last year, I met some people who basically forced me to go out of my comfort zone. It ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me. I learned that it’s ok to be afraid of the unknown, as long as you explore it and face your fears eventually.
      
      
      
      
2. Appreciate the little things.
   1. Well, I kind of did learn this in a classroom, but it was a pre school classroom. Little things, such as trying something new, going out of your way to be nice to someone, or even double knotting your shoes can be just as big accomplishments as graduating college. It’s all perspective.
      
      
      
      
3. You can’t control everything.
   1. And if you try to, you’ll just end up unhappy and alone. The need to control everything in your life is one of those things you just have to work toward losing. It won’t happen instantly, but just the simple act of realizing that some things are out of your control is a big step.
      
      
      
      
4. If you’re at a point where it seems like everything’s going wrong, something eventually WILL go right.
   1. This one’s big. It can be a day, a week, a month, or a few days at a time. It can be a whole series of bad grades, family problems, relationship issues, and being stressed. One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the past two years is that eventually, things will start to look up.
      
      
      
      
5. How to deal with stress – in a good way.
   1. While I do admit to stress and problem drinking, I also have learned since starting college, that there are so many positive ways to relieve stress. Whether it’s exercise, coloring, yoga, or calling your parents, the best thing you can do with stress is to find a healthy way to relieve it, and make sure to set time for it.
      
      
      
      
6. On a similar note, taking time out of your busy day for some self care is not selfish.
   1. One of my favorite brands Wear Your Label has things that say “Self care isn’t selfish” on them. This is one of the most important things college students (and high schoolers, and adults) need to do. Take 10-20 minutes out of your day for yourself. Whether it’s taking a hot shower, curling up with a cup of tea and a book, or going to the gym. You’ll feel better and you’ll be more able to tackle whatever life throws at you.
      
      
      
7. What defines a ‘real friend.’
   1. In schools, you’re taught at a young age that everyone is your friend, and we’re all friends. The reality is, that’s not true. However, by the time you hit the beginning / middle of sophomore year, or even the end of freshman year, you have a pretty solid idea of who your real friends are. They’re the ones who have stuck with you through breakdowns, all nighters, late night real talks, and who have been there for you when you needed them the most.
      
      
      
      
8. How to live life to the fullest.
   1. I spend some weekends holed up in my room doing work, watching Netflix, or reading books. I spend other weekends up at the townhouses till 4 am, staying up till my eyes won’t stay open, having real talks, or just hanging out with my friends. However, I will remember those nights spent at the houses more than I will those nights in my room alone. I’ll remember the impromptu trips to playgrounds in the middle of the night or the 3 am McDonald’s trips.
      
      
      
      
9. You never stop doing things for the first time.
   1. People always say there’s a first time for everything. College is the epitome of that. I’ve had so many firsts in college. I took my first shot, had my first cuddle buddy, wrote my first published article, had my first hangover, and so much more. All these firsts are lessons in itself.
      
      
      
      
10. 10. Your grades do not define you.
    1. For the majority of your life, you’ve probably been told that your grades are the most important thing. To get into a good college, you need good grades. If you don’t get into a good college, you won’t get a good job, and then you’ll be a failure in life. So, for about twelve years of your life, you’re sure that your grades define you. It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, as long as you get good grades, right? Wrong. Yes, your grades are important. But, they’re nowhere near as important as your own well being. Don’t let that fear of a bad grade make you sick. One or two bad grades won’ kill you, but the stress and anxiety about the mindset that has been burned into our brains about the huge importance of NEEDING good grades to succeed just might.
       
       
       
       
11. 11. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
    1. Just because you can skip class because the professor doesn’t take attendance, doesn’t mean you should. Just because you can drink every weekend, doesn’t mean you should. College is all about prioritizing and time management. Just because there is the option of doing something, doesn’t mean you should do it.
       
       
       
       
12. 12. Your family is your biggest supporter. Appreciate them.
    1. Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles; these are people you probably have taken for granted. You see them enough, and even if you don’t, you’re related to them right? They send you money on your birthday or call you on a holiday. Since starting college, I’ve gotten much closer with my younger brother. I talk to him more often than I talk to my parents. Regardless, your family is your biggest supporter, and always will be. Don’t take that for granted. You won’t always have them there to overnight you that allergy medication or the jeans you forgot at home but desperately need, or that care package filled with comfort food. Appreciate it while you can.
       
       (side note: yes that is a cup of ice cream in my hand #priorities)