I had the best high school experience possible. I lived it up, earned the good grades and made the most of my four years. I was actively involved in numerous activities. I was the goody-two-shoes that people could go to for help with anything. When senior year came, I didn't think school could get any better. Senior year was rumored to be the best year of school and I wanted to believe that. But then, college came.
I moved from my high school with 2,000 students to a university with 30,105 students. I felt like a little fish in a big pond. It was a little bit of culture shock, too. I was asked if I spoke fluent 'hick' because I have a slight southern 'twang when I speaking. Granted I was in the same state, moving north felt like I had moved several states away. With this impression, I hated college and I wanted to transfer home. Thankfully, my parents wouldn't let me transfer back to the local branch of Indiana University. They wanted me to try and finish the semester at my current university. I wouldn't admit it to them, but staying here was the best decision I've ever made.
1. College opened my eyes to new things. I wouldn't say that my parents sheltered me growing up, but I also wouldn't say that I liven in an area where there was lots of crime and drama. Even though my hometown is relativity close to Louisville, KY, things still didn't happen.
2. College made me a stronger individual. Learning to live on my own in a major city was scary at first. The idea of not coming home to see my parents every day was odd, especially since it's what I had done for almost 19 years. I had to learn to handle everything from my money to my grades. I also had to learn that my GPS can get you lost almost as fast as local directions.
3. College changed my view of where I come from. I always knew that I loved my hometown, but it is so much better now. I go home and find myself never wanting to leave. I picture myself growing old in that town. Are you kidding, I have my future house picked out on Mansion Row! I have more school spirit as a high school alumni than I ever did as an enrolled student. I value my time spend in that town more than anything.
4. College taught me to have fun. In high school, I thought I was fun. I hung out on some Friday nights and I went to prom. I attended football games and all of that stuff, but that was all. I didn't know how to balance a fun social life and enjoy my classes. Now, I learned how to do that. I do events with my sorority and I go to parties. I play Cards Against Humanity until 2:30 A.M. at least once every few weeks. I'm not worried about trying to balance everything, it comes naturally now.
5. College taught me to love life. Before, I worried about everything. Now, I rarely stress. I'm on a cray journey to earn a degree and I'm loving every moment of it. College is an adventure that is unlike any other. I'm so blessed to be on it too.
