Sure, I've learned a thing or two in my first year of "rigorous" academic studies at the Fish, but I'm talkin' about the stuff you learn outside of a classroom.
Let's rewind to what seems likes forever ago, orientation weekend, and make our way through the epic journey that is referred to as freshman year of college.
1. Mom still knows best.
Whether it was setting up the dorm room on move-in day or advice about that "super nice older guy" that she knew was a phony from the start, mom knows all. No matter how hard I tried to rearrange things, her way proved most practical, and lo and behold, her d-bag radar was and forever will be on point.
2. Life's what you make it (So, let's make it rock!).
Was a Hannah Montana song lyric necessary? Absolutely. Because, just like Miley/Hannah, you can literally be whoever you want to be. Doesn't matter who you were in high school, college is a place to reinvent yourself and do what makes you happy. Coming from a super "Mean Girls" cliché of a high school, being yourself often resulted in not fitting in with the crowd ... or having your gym clothes stolen and shoved in the toilet and peed on in ninth grade (true story, people, true story). But in college, pshhhhh eff that! The weirder the better! You still like to play Sims and watch Disney Channel when you're feeling sad? You actually wanna be a part of a club that makes you happy? I think you're the bomb.com and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Fisher is little gem of a school where you will encounter the weirdest, funniest, coolest, most amazing people you will ever meet in your life (Fisher Fam, stand up!). And guess what else? Where you sat in the high school cafeteria doesn't mean sh*t! Welcome to the real world, my friends, where imperfections and individuality are beautiful.
3. There are just really good looking people ... everywhere!
I don't know what Fisher puts in the water but DAMN. I have to say, collectively as a campus, we are on fire. Not sure if it was just me, but in high school, guys looked about 12 years old, and I could grow more facial hair than they could, easily (I'm also Greek and Italian, but still). But now, all of a sudden, I am surrounded by tall, muscular, handsome men. Shout-out to Mike Hastings for being No. 1 (no bias there, of course). But even the girls are beautiful! So model scouts, if you're reading this, hit us up!
4. It's cool to be nice.
I love Fisher because people are just genuinely nice. If someone likes your outfit, hell yeah, they will let you know. If you think someones waving to you in the hallway, but it's actually to someone else, no need to feel embarrassed, because they'll probably wave and smile to you too. Rushing to class with 500 things in your hand? Don't sweat it, there's already a door being held for you. Oh, and if you ever feel down about yourself, head on over to the dining hall where at least one Lackmann worker will make you feel like a supermodel, even when you got two hours of sleep and are still wearing yesterdays sweats. Like they say, #FisherCares
5. Capture and cherish every moment.
Time flies. I still can't get over the fact that the first year of my college experience is over! I don't care, I will absolutely, 100 percent hands down be "that girl" and take pictures at literally every event and Shazam every song I hear at a party only to later add it to my "College" playlist. I want to remember these moments. I wanna remember all the faces and places and songs and outfits and quotes and everything from my experience at Fisher. Why? Because I know that, one day, when I'm 40 and a slave to my kids, I'll be watching them grow up and experiencing their life, and I'll want to go back to that house party where my sticky boobs fell off or to the days spent in bed snuggling with Syd (who will then be my fellow cul-de-sac living, super MILF partner in crime), I'll want to remember all the songs we used to get ready to in the bathroom or danced to in Vinyl or that time I bullied the bouncer into letting someone into the bar or when I thought my life was over because I failed a quiz. My point is life is hitting us real quick, and I want to remember this forever.
My time so far at Fisher has been amazing. I've met great people, and learned so much about myself and others. The Fish is truly a home away from home, and I can't wait to learn even more in the years to come!
