The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of my favorite novels and I always find something in the text that speaks to me. These 13 quotes feel very relevant in my life as a college student and provide some understanding and inspiration.
1. “...it’s very easy to read, but very hard to ‘read well’.”
If I have learned one thing in college, it is this. It turns out there is more to this skill than we learned in Kindergarten.
2. “So what’s the point of using words nobody else knows or can say comfortably?”
We have all wanted to ask our professors this more than a few times.
3. “And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
College is such a mixture of emotions that it is impossible to feel only one thing at a time. The over stimulus can be emotionally draining, which is why taking some time to sit back and take it all in could be beneficial.
4. “Maybe it’s sad that these are now memories. And maybe it’s not sad.”
Reminiscing on the 'glory days' of high school is fun and important, but you cannot dwell on the past. Those people and those events at that time may have been incredible, but it will never be just like that again. Once you accept that, it is no longer heartbreaking to think about growing up.
5. “...we accept the love we think we deserve.”
You have to value yourself and only accept treatment that you deserve. Do not let others walk all over you just because you do not think you are worthy of more. I promise that you always have been and always will be worthy of respect.
6. “Five minutes of a lifetime were truly spent, and we felt young in a good way.”
It is the little moments that make the best memories. Sometimes you do not realize that the seemingly insignificant moment would become one that you treasure forever.
7. ‘“You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.”’
College includes a lot of people-watching which really makes this ring true. Common experience bonds people together and allows for mutual understanding among strangers.
8. “...the people in the photographs always seem a lot happier than you are.”
No one is going to post anything less than their best. Social media is not a true glimpse into someone's life. Reality does not have flattering filters and camera angles or faked smiles. The truth is, that person in the photograph is likely just as homesick, stressed and exhausted as you are.
9. “And I thought that all those little kids are going to grow up someday. And all of those little kids are going to do the things that we do.”
We all have this thought when we see kids, or even prospective students on tours. They seem so young, but it really was not so long ago that it was us. Before we know it, they will be us and we will be in the next phase of our lives.
10. “I just need to know that someone out there listens and understands and doesn’t try to sleep with people even if they could have.”
Sometimes in the mass of people it is hard to find your 'person,' but they are there. There are good people in the world.
11. “...things change. And friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody.”
This is a time of transition between childhood and adulthood. Friends from home grow apart and new relationships form. It feels like life is moving at light-speed and there is no slowing down, but it will be okay.
12. “‘...try to be a filter, not a sponge.”’
There is so much to learn from the world around you, and so much you can give back to it. You were selected by an admissions office not because of what you have done, but because of what you add to the community.
13. “We didn’t talk about anything heavy or light. We were just there together. And that was enough.”
These kinds of days are the best. People who you can just be with and have that be enough are the greatest friends.
