After two years of being in college, I have learned so many valuable life lessons. In this so-called "prime time" of life it is possible to feel every type of emotion in existence everday. Here are 16 things that I have learned since being in college. The good and the bad.
1. Your major won't buy you happiness.
It's one of the most common ideas in college. Be a doctor, be a lawyer or a savy business man so you can make a ton of money and live the lifestyle you have always dreamed of. False. Do what makes you happy. Chase your dreams. Even if it's a starting salary of $15,000 a year. You have to pursue the things you love. "Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also."
2. You can't have everything you've always wanted by the age of 21.
We all want the dream job, the best significant other and all the happiness this world has to offer. The truth is it - takes to time to build up a life worth living. Nothing worth having comes easy. Work hard and enjoy the ride.
3. Momma is always right.
I call my mom everyday and every phone call is filled with hidden gems of life advice. Mother knows best. She's there when you're happy, sad, annoyed, stressed out and even when you just need someone to talk to in between those long walks to class. She speaks the truth and will always be there to listen.
4. Your parents genuinely want what's best for you.
They've been in your shoes. They miss you everyday. College has a huge impact on your life. My parents are the reason why I'm here and all the opportunities I've had couldn't have taken place without them. So thank you're parents, listen to them and love them because they love you more than anything.
5. True friends will always be there for you.
I've found the people that will stand next to me when I get married. I've made friendships that will last until I'm old and gray. My friends have seen me at my worst, my best and vice versa. We're all a little lost and quite the dysfunctional bunch, but nothing beats loyalty. If you're like me, you're lucky enough to have found the friends that agree with you when you're right and call you out when you're wrong.
6. There will be highs and there will also be the lowest of the lows.
Heartbreak, happiness and all the feelings in between .
7. Your future husband won't be the guy you meet out on Saturday night.
8. It's OK to be stressed out.
There are literally so many things happening that not even the worlds greatest agenda could manage your life. Take stress and use it to your advantage. Find what makes you calm and know that it isn't the end of the world if you fail that one chemistry exam. In a few years you won't even remember it. Worrying does nothing.
9. People change, but so do you.
If we're growing, we're changing. College makes you grow up and sometimes it can be hard trying to balance everything. No one ever said "adulting" would be easy.
10. You can't be happy with anyone else until you're happy with yourself.
It's easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of college, which leads to putting yourself down. Be confident in yourself.
11. You don't have to have everything figured out.
Trust in the decisions you have made and know that in the end everything works out the way it's supposed to. Everyone is scared of the future and that's alright.
12. Time truly does go by too fast.
Don't take a single second for granted. These are the best days.
13. People will let you down.
When you do good, expect nothing in return. It's easy to believe that you can be the one to change someone. The truth is that sometimes, no matter how hard we try, people can't shake their demons. Relationships and friendships are two-way streets.
14. You will make decisions that you will regret.
Now is the time to make mistakes. These mistakes don't define us but they shape us into who we're destined to be.
15. You have to have thick skin.
Criticism will come from many different people. It's the hits and low blows we take that help shape who we are. How someone operates in times of turmoil separates the dauntless from the cowards.
16. Enjoy all the blessings you've been given.
It may be one of the most confusing times of your life, but it also highlights some of the best. Look at all the positive aspects of these four years of your life and remember once they're done, you can't get them back.
