- It’s better to have a few great friends than many bad friends.High school was always about who had the most friends, not who had true friends. Luckily, this changes post-graduation, and quality overtakes quantity.
- How to pick my battles. Although there are times when I know I am right, I’ve learned when it’s not worth it to start a fight. Most of the time it’s better to just put down the shovel and walk away.
- Your metabolism really does catch up with you. My days of living off pizza and mac and cheese have started to catch up with me. I never thought I would see the day where my diet had green in it, but unfortunately, the time has come.
- Nothing good will come from comparing yourself to others. There is no point in wasting your energy comparing yourself to others. Rather, you should focus on becoming your best self and only compare your new and improved self to who you used to be.
- Don’t lower your standards, or you will be disappointed. Whether it is personal standards regarding grades or whom you date, lowering yourself will bring nothing but disappointment. Seize what you know you deserve, even if it takes a little more effort.
- Don’t hold your expectations unrealistically high, or you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you hold your standards and expectations too high, you set yourself up for let-down. Sure, some things can work out in your favor, but if you were to, say, set your heart on marrying an NFL player or a supermodel, you will most likely be left disappointed.
- Live in the moment. Being a girl, we love to think of the way things “could be” a few years down the road. We get caught up in the idea of something and fail to see the reality of it. Doing this can easily cloud our judgment, causing bad decisions to be made.
- Like the J. Giels Band said, love stinks. Sure relationships can be great, but there is no such thing as a perfect one. Even the best ones will have some complications.
- Surrounding yourself with positive people will have a positive impact on you. It makes sense doesn’t it? If you spend your time with happy and optimistic people, you will not only feel better around them, but you will also start to think more like them. Nothing bad can come from associating yourself with good people.
- Surrounding yourself with negative people won’t. The opposite of what happens when you surround yourself with positive people will happen when you surround yourself with those who are negative.Nothing good will come from it.
- Don’t post stupid things on social media. As great as the technology revolution is, it comes with potential consequences. Posting one stupid tweet or one inappropriate photo can change your entire future for the worst. Don’t be that person who gets screwed because of one seemingly irrelevant mistake.
- Time heals all wounds. No matter how much pain you are feeling, and no matter what caused it, time alone will heal you. Despite the fact that you might feel like all is lost at some points, you will get through them if you give yourself the time you need to move on.
- It’s true what they say about working out. Since what they said about your metabolism slowing down turned out to be true, I figured I would give exercise a try for the first time since high school sports. And guess what? It turns out that what they say happens with exercise is true, too. After getting into the habit of hitting the gym, I feel more energized and happy. Who knew that 30 minutes of sweating per day could have such a positive outcome?
- Hard work pays off. Whether it’s in the gym or in the library, if you are dedicated and work hard, rewards will come your way.
- You’re actually considered to be cool if you’re smart. Another great thing that changes after high school! It’s no longer “cool” to be the idiot jock that rides through high school by cheating on the quiet kid that sits next to him. In college and the work place, the smart ones get the most respect, as they rightfully should.
- Nothing good comes from over-thinking. Even if what you come up with turns out to be correct, you will be no more at ease than you would have been had you not wasted your time stressing out about it.
- Do things that will make your parents happy. There’s no better way to realize how much your parents do for you than leaving the nest. After all, you probably wouldn’t be where you are without them. Once we hit our twenties, the time we get to spend with our parents becomes limited. This is why it is so important to make the most of the time that we do get to spend with them, and repay them for all they have done for us.
- Timing is everything. As cliche as it sounds, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things that could have been great at one point just wouldn't work a few months down the road. As disappointing as this can be, you just have to accept the fact that God has a plan, and go with the flow of things.
- Good things come from leaving your comfort zone. Nothing bad can come from doing something new. Whether it is choosing to study abroad or going to that intense work-out class you’re terrified of, doing something out of the ordinary can only make you grow, even if you end up hating it.
- Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Don’t bottle up your desires. Asking will either get you what you want or open your eyes to what you deserve. No matter how scared you are, ask; it will only help you in the long run.
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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