This is not nearly everything I learned in college, but definitely the most important things.
Independence is very important.
It's easier in college, than ever before, to blend into the environment around you. Whether it is what your friends are doing or what your professors are telling you to do, it's easy to get lost in what others are telling you and forget to really think about yourself. That's why it's important to keep in mind what you want and remember that we all need to be independent and do what we want to do. You don't have to do what others expect you to. It's not easy to take a step back from your friends and focus on yourself, but it's simply something that must be done.
Being independent and having humility are not mutually exclusive.
When I first came to college, I was so focused on being independent and doing everything on my own that I almost forgot to ask for help when I needed it. When I didn't know something, I would spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to figure it out on my own instead of simply admitting that I needed help. That's when I realized that it's okay to have some humility. It's okay to not know everything and it's more than okay to ask for help when I really need it. Just because I have some humility, that doesn't make me any less independent. The two things are not mutually exclusive.
Not all friendships are everlasting.
We all like to believe that the person who is our best friend now will be our best friend forever. We like to think that our best friend will forever be our side, as they are now. As hard as it is to admit it, we all know that's not true. Part of college is finding yourself and being open to change. As we change, so do our friends. You may not have as much in common with your best friend as you used to. You meet other people who have more in common with you. You might not have as much time for each other as you used to, so you grow apart. Not all friendships stand the test of time, and that's okay.
You can't set yourself on fire to save others.
Being sympathetic is part of being human. It's human nature to sympathize for other and want to help those in need. However, in the process, don't set yourself on fire. In other words, don't forget to think about yourself and put yourself first. It sounds selfish, I know, but you just can't drive yourself insane while trying to help others. Remember to check in with yourself and make sure that you're happy and healthy.
It's okay to take a step back.
Sometimes we take on a little bit more than we can handle. Okay, fine, a lot more. The reality is that there are just not enough hours in the day for you to take 6 classes, go to five clubs, play 2 sports, and still have time to sleep. Don't just say "that's what coffee is for" and keep pushing yourself. Please do yourself a favor and a take a step back from the busy schedule. Think about what you actually have to and want to do. Prioritize and cut back.
College is wild, you guys. Take care of yourselves.
