This fall I will be going into my last semester at UCF. It's been a long four and a half years that I would've never imagined. My life looks completely different than I thought it would when I was eighteen years old. I've learned so many things that no one told me and I wanted to share.
1. Talk to everyone.
You'll be in a lot of classes sitting next to all new people and it will be nerve-wracking at times. But just like a workplace, you're going to have to learn how to communicate with strangers effectively, and it could benefit you in some ways. Talking about school while in class is the perfect ice breaker. Ask questions, get to know people. You do not have to be best friends with everyone, but you will be more comfortable and confident having familiar faces to say hello to. Add each other on Facebook, exchange numbers, whatever you're comfortable with. Start learning how to network NOW!
2. Don’t settle on a major you don’t care about.
I should've figured this out after my second accounting class. My major required three accounting pre-requisites, finance, quantitative business tools, and all sorts of business classes that I had zero interest in. I really tried to get through them by enlisting friends to tutor me, buying extra study packets, and spending hours at the library just to end up failing an exam. If it's not meant to be it's not worth the heartache. Do what you love. Everyone will tell you it doesn't matter what you go to school for anyways, it's about the connections you make for the job that YOU want.
3. Email your professors.
Start a dialogue, and not just basic questions about class. If you're nervous about starting a conversation you can start with something standard (but do not ask them something you can find the answer to on the syllabus! That will shut them down real quick.) When you have a specific idea of what you want to do or just general questions for post-graduation, your professors can be the best source of guidance. If you have a professor that worked in the field you are interested in, ask them how they got there. Seek advice and they will steer you in the right direction. The students that make an extra effort will stand out and they might connect you with people that can help build your stepping stones.
4. College parties are not that cool.
I went to my first fraternity party my freshman year and it was a night I will never forget because it was one that I learned from. Being surrounded by strangers that are chugging beers and dancing on tabletops only looks fun in the movies. Don't accept a drink from anyone, or you'll be going home at 9pm after only having a few drinks. Most of the people you'll meet at a party, you will never see again. They don't care about you, and you'll probably end up looking like a fool. Underage drinking is not only against the law, it's dangerous and stressful AF when you're surrounded by all sorts of shenanigans. One night is not worth it.
5. It's okay to be broke.
I was stuck on working full time and trying to juggle school all at once. I was ready to grow up as soon as I turned eighteen because I thought that if I didn't start right then, I would never get there. I ended up failing classes and wasting time because it was just not feasible. Everyone is going to be broke in college, and if your friends make you feel bad about not being able to afford to go out all the time or go on vacations or request time off from work for them, then they're not your friends. It sucks but remind yourself that it's only temporary. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches aren't that bad anyways.
6. Do not look for a relationship.
When I started going to school, I wanted to join clubs and study abroad. I wanted to make friends and have fun, but I was in a relationship that was too serious too soon. Obviously, I would shut down anyone that tried to tell me that, and it was something I had to learn on my own. However, I wish I could go back and tell myself that being in college is when you need to be selfish and find yourself or you won't grow. The people you think will always be there for you won't be one day. Learn to be alone now.
No matter how much you think you've planned out the next four to five years of your life, things can change in an instant and not everything will go your way. I am lucky enough to have great mentors and support during my college education, but there were so many lessons that I had to learn on my own.
