College: a land filled with vast opportunities to discover what interests you, and what you desire to pursue, while gaining a sense of freedom by becoming more responsible and independent.
This definition sounds fairly accurate, but in my 16-year-old high school brain, I visualized college a bit differently. Here are six misconceptions about college I perceived in high school, that hopefully you can relate to!
1. It may take some time to find your true passion.
Coming into college, I truly believed that every person around me was going to have the full knowledge of what they wanted to major in, and what they wanted to pursue. I genuinely thought that everyone had their life all perfectly planned out, while I really did not know which path I was meant to follow.
After switching my intended major 5 times, I've come to realize that it is perfectly fine to not know what you want to do instantly, but with time, the passions and gifts of your heart will be revealed to you, and you'll truly be confident in knowing what you want to pursue.
2. Are they looking at me?
The answer simply is: no.
To many, high school can feel as if one's peers are constantly judging and making harsh opinions about our appearance. It was a time when you thought you had to "dress to impress" and thought you were being "sized up" or looked at under a microscope comparatively to your fellow students.
I'm going to rip the truth band-aid off nice and quick: NO ONE CARES!!
If you wear sweatpants three times a week and haven't taken a shower in a hot minute, no one honestly cares! People are so concerned about how they look, that they really don't care or have the time to worry if you wore that outfit twice in one week or have a pimple on your forehead. Individually, your peers are worrying the same exact thing about themselves! The only person you ever need to please is yourself, so be you!
3. It's not dandelions and lollipops all of the time.
Many people may have this tainted idea that college is simply put, all fun and games, but it's so much more than going out and socializing. As a college student, one has to have excellent time management skills; balancing sports, clubs, leisure activities, and a full academic schedule. Personally, my academics are my first priority, but making the time to fit in my on-campus job, my Christian ministry, and my honors and community service society is extremely important. A perfect balance of social, mental, physical, and spiritual actives are essential in order to have a well-rounded and healthy college experience.
4. The magical 3-month gap doesn't quite exist.
In my hopeful and naive mind, I truly believed that I would finally get away from the immature and disrespectful boys of high school, and every single boy I'd come into contact with in college wouldn't be arrogant or rude.
I call it the magical 3-month gap: the succeeding months following high school graduation, where immature and cocky boys would magically turn into mature, sophisticated, and respectful men. I was kind of wrong! I will admit that I've met some extremely kind and mature young men who have helped me gain hope for the male species, but I've also observed college boys who are still operating as their old (concurrent) high school selves. Hopefully by 26, boys will finally grow up!
5. Not all people like to party.
Going into college, I firmly knew that I was never going to give into the peer pressures of drinking and partying that many students find delight in. With that being said, I once believed that on campus drank and partied, and that I would not fit in as I didn't enjoy participating in those things.
By the grace of God, I found my people. I found close friends who don't like to drink, and would rather stay in all weekend to watch chick-flick marathons and stress-color. People are going to have similar morals and values as you, it's just a matter of finding them at the right time.
6. Professors don't act snooty or inconsiderate.
When asked in high school, "what does a professor visually look like to you?" I would have honestly answered, "A mean old man who cares more about teaching the material, than he does his students".
After finishing a year of college, I've come to discover that professors are nothing like what I thought they were going to be! They are the kindest, and most selfless people, who truly care about your well-being and your success. They are the type of people who ask if you are doing okay because you missed a class-session, and will stay well after class is over to alleviate any stress you are currently experiencing. I have already created such strong and wonderful bonds with my professors, and I am so grateful for all of the wisdom that they have instilled in me.
