I never realized when I came to college I lacked knowledge of a lot of things I should have been taught. In high school we are taught basic things to help us get into college but what about when we get there? Once we're done applying for schools, we should be taught what we're going to need to know when we get there right?
Most of us are stepping into a whole new lifestyle and if you don't pick up on things quickly, you will fall behind quickly. I was only 17 at the time and I thought I knew all the things I needed to know, but I was wrong!
Of course there is probably a long list of things we need to be taught before we get to college, but for me these were the main things.
1. How to budget my money
When I got hired at my job I was so excited! I wouldn't be asking my mom for money every month. I was one step closer to being independent and being an actual adult.
I had a job, but would find myself living off of $3 for two weeks, why was that? Because when I got that wonderful paycheck, there I was, online shopping knowing I had to make this money last for a month.
2. How to file your taxes
With the job, came a W-2 form that I had no idea how to fill out. Even when my mother took me to her accountant, I was still confused. Honestly, I'm still a bit confused now.
3. How to build your credit
Since I would be living off of $3, I tried to get a credit card, but even I knew that was a disaster waiting to happen. Every time I applied for a card, I was denied because I had a low credit score.
Luckily, I got some guidance and learned one way I could build my credit. My mom made me start paying for my own phone bill so I could get some credibility.
4. Time management
Five classes and a part time job, it sounded like a lot, and at first it was. I would be tired, overwhelmed and full of anxiety. As time went by, I did figure this one out on my own, and now I'm able to still have five classes and two part time jobs.
5. Social skills
I was not fortunate to live in the freshman dorms, so I had to go out and make friends the old fashion way, being awkward and telling them about things I liked. Yeah, sure everyone is social the first two weeks, then it just stops. After people realize how many people go to college, they just seem to give up. I've made a good amount of friends by spreading out that social energy into a semester instead of just two weeks. However, don't be that person trying to befriend everyone.
Believe me, no one likes that person.
