Having lived in San Francisco for a little over four months now, I'd like to think that I know all of the nooks and crannies of the city, the bus lines and the best brunch spots. I'm an idealist, and while these expectations are fairly reasonable, I definitely don't know my way around the majority of the time and I have to remind myself that I'm paying for the campus dining hall instead of spending money on meals every weekend. Okay, maybe every day... Still. Although the classes I've taken so far at San Francisco State have proven to be valuable, there are just some things that school can't teach you. Growing up, my dad always reminded me that experience is the best education - and I think I'm closer to understanding just what that means every day.
1. If you thought you were the sh*t, you're not.
I lived in a conservative suburbia for the entirety of my childhood, where most individuals my age were given extensive attention and special treatment. Moving to San Francisco, I quickly realized that no one really cares about you. I know that may sound completely cynical, but it's true. We're all in it for ourselves, and that's not always a bad thing. The city is heartless, but am I the only one who thinks that's charming?
2. Getting lost finding your way home can sometimes make the best adventure.
There's a hell of a lot of Muni lines, and you don't always get it right - you stand on the wrong side of the platform or take the wrong bus. But hey, that could make your day even better. Not only can you better prepare for next time, but you might just stumble upon life-changing crepes. (Maybe that's just me.)
3. There is always, always something you don't know.
I can't even describe to you the immense diversity of this place. Around every corner is a neighborhood you had no idea existed, a group of individuals protesting about something you didn't even know was an issue. At our age, it's easy to assume that we have all the answers, but you could meet someone who holds entirely different opinions than you and changes your perspective. I think it's key to remember that our minds have infinite capacity to learn. Make sure it stays open.
4. Everyone has a story.
Being a college student, I think it's fair to say that we're all focused on our own responsibilities and to-do lists that we don't always consider those around us. Although I definitely fall prey to this complacency, the city reminds me that my agenda may not always be what's most important. I love having conversations with Uber drivers, homeless people on the streets of downtown, or with the people that you could never see yourself being friends with in your classes. If you give yourself these experiences, I can promise you you'll find yourself a little more too.
5. Say yes to every opportunity that presents itself.
Even if it's just a Saturday night and you're invited out to God knows where, get out of your bed and make it happen. If you don't know or listen to an artist, go to their concert anyways. Experiment with new things and meet new people, because the universe brings people together in strange ways. San Francisco, and its livelihood, never fails to teach me that I should be spending my youth exploring and making the most of the unknown.
6. Your voice matters.
The city is full of activism in all of its forms, whether that be social, political, environmental, what have you. You have the power to choose what you believe, and San Francisco has the tools to allow you to participate in anything that furthers these beliefs. I'm learning to develop my passions and go forward with them, because out of the thousands of people that call this place home, there's always going to be someone who has your back.
