It’s been a crazy two years here at Spring Arbor University, and yet there’s very little I would change. I’ve grown so much in areas I never expected to and have had my college expectations turned upside-down more than once. I’ve put together five nuggets of wisdom from my time among that curious beast: the college student.

1. We’re Basically Preschoolers

"So far I've noticed that college is a lot like kindergarten, except everyone has a way higher capacity to seriously hurt themselves." - Katie Tiedrich

I’ve taken more naps in these past two years than over the course of my elementary and secondary years combined. Our school even had a pajama day this year, and you don’t get much more elementary school than that my friend.

2. We’re all Secretly Hippies

Buzz knows what's up

While I only know of one person on campus who actually dresses as a hippie, the majority of people on campus are involved in charity work or the green movement in one way or another. These people have shown me that I do have the power to make a positive difference, even if it’s something as simple as recycling or raking leaves.

3. We’re all Learning

Every college student should be able to teach themselves upon graduation

Well, at least I hope we are learning. I’m not talking about classes, although it’s important to pass those. While a lot of neat (though typically useless) information can be learned in them, college is more about personal growth, acquiring knowledge and life skills beyond text on a page.

4. We’re all Dorks

You laugh because you know it's true

What I find to be the

coolest aspect of campus life is how much of a judgment-free zone it is (Just stay clear of Yik-Yak and people actually aren’t that negative). It kinda plays into the self-discovery bit of the last point. I’m currently involved in the Tolkien Literary Club on campus and have been joining the Magic the Gathering group as well (More on my experience with Magic here).
It's been a great confidence booster for me, and a great way to make awesome friends.

5. We all Make Mistakes

Better safe than sorry, right?

While sharing your interests with other people is a great way to make friends, it’s not the way to keep them. I’m still learning that if I want to develop the friendships I have now, I need to actually call them on the phone and ask if they want to get dinner sometime. I convinced myself for two years I preferred leaving it to random chance, but I see now that was an excuse I’d been feeding myself.

This has been a brief summation of my most valuable lessons and cherished observations from two short years at college, and I’m sure this list will only continue to grow. Here’s to two more crazy years and all the dorks who make Spring Arbor University a home.