When you start out at a junior college, you can't help but anticipate what's to come for your future at a university. You're going to make so many new friends that will be just like you, get to finally experience those college parties that everyone is always talking about and even get to go on the Spring Break trips to Mexico that you end up seeing all over your Facebook timeline. As incoming college students, we're all filled with these types of common misconceptions.
While some of this might true, there are also many different things that you don't think about. Even though you probably only thought about the exciting and fun-filled things that college has to offer, there are also a variety of lessons that you will learn along the way. These lessons will not always be easy, they will take a lot of strength to deal with and overcome; however, it will most definitely be worth it.
1. It's not going to be easy, by any means.
Being a transfer at a university is difficult enough for people, but when you're away from home? It almost seems as if it's impossible to stay happy sometimes (especially if you love home, like me). You're going to be stuck in a variety of situations that are unpleasant and make you extremely uncomfortable, but that's okay. These tough situations are just helping you grow, one rough patch at a time. There will be times you feel like crying. You'll miss your family and your friends, and wonder what you're missing out on back at home. You'll torture yourself wondering "what if I picked a college closer to home?" There's going to be times you'll want to scream at the top of your lungs. It's natural, and that's okay - you'll learn to turn your frustration into positive action to better yourself. And when you do, there will be times you'll want to jump for joy - and those will be the times that it will all be worth it.
2. You're not always going to get along with your roommates.
Before I went to school, I had this unrealistic expectation that whoever I was matched up with in a room would suddenly become my best friend. We'd get matching sheets, cute decorations and make our place feel as much like home as humanly possible. No. I got the opposite of this actually. I was paired up with someone who was completely different than me. We didn't have the same habits of keeping ourselves healthy or even socializing with others, and that's okay. However, it's safe to say I was horrified when things became increasingly uncomfortable as the school year went on. Take note: You don't have to be best friends with your roommate, or even friends for that matter, by any means. Situations like this can only do one thing: prepare us for any obstacles in the future and how to handle them.
3. Work hard, oh - and play hard too.
Work your ass off. Study hard and kill it on all of your exams. Your first semester is going to be a tough one, but all you can do is think positive thoughts and strive for a better one next time. If you're struggling in any of your academics, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people rooting for you to succeed. And when you feel like you've worked hard enough, don't be afraid to let loose. Go out with your girlfriends and do something fun - whether it's going to the bars or taking a day trip to Disneyland. You deserve it.
4. You're not alone.
The good thing about being a transfer is that you get the opportunity to meet others while at transfer orientation before the school year begins. Not only have I met some of my best friends at transfer orientation, but they are individuals that I know will be in my life for a very long time! Confide in these people and don't hesitate to ask them for advice. If they're true friends, they'll be there for you through thick and thin and do whatever they can to make you happy and make you feel loved. After all, they're transfers too!
