This last week, I took my last final of my first year of college. After crying out of being happy to be done with the stress of finals week, I got to reflect on the things I have learned from my first year of college. As I reflected, I realized that I have learned a lot, and not all of what I have learned has been things I learned in the classroom.
1. Studying is hella important.
My first semester, I barely studied. I did okay, but once finals came around, and I took them without studying, I realized that I didn't know shit, and I didn't do as well on my finals as I could have. So my second semester, I studied for my finals as best I could, and have so far gotten a B or higher on every final. I know it seems lame, but studying does matter.
2. Taking notes doesn't always work.
My first semester of college, I very diligently took notes. I took notes in every class, and if I missed class, I made sure I got the notes from somebody emailed me their notes. And I still struggled. When I started my second semester, I kept up with my notes, until I stopped taking notes, and I suddenly stopped struggling. I won''t pretend that notes are bad for everyone, a lot of people benefit from notes. But don't be afraid to stop taking notes. It may help you in the long run.
3. Don't procrastinate
I spent my whole first year of college stressed because I decided to procrastinate on my big assignments. I finally learned my lesson with my last big project of the semester and got it done ahead of time. I am a natural procrastinator, and procrastinating is an easy habit to fall into when you're a busy college student, but in the long run, not procrastinating will save you a hell of a lot of stress when it comes time for finals.
4. There is no assigned seats... but there is.
I learned quickly that even though your professor won't assign seats, you and your classmates will have assigned seats. I sat in the same area in all of my classes, and if somebody sat in that place I usually sat at, I felt like my whole day was ruined. So pick your seat wisely.
5. Find your exit buddy.
Everybody has at least one person they talk to in class. That is your exit buddy. For me, it was a sweet girl in most of my classes named Brittany. We always left the classes together, walked in together, and sat together. Having an exit buddy is also helpful so that if you miss a class, you can always message that person and ask what you missed.
6. Chances are, if you can't stand a class/teacher, there is at least one more person who feels the same way you do.
I had a class in my second semester that I just could not stand the teacher. She never put in grades, she talked over the students, and she sucked at explaining assignments. I finally got to talking to my classmates before class one day and realized: we all couldn't stand her.
7. You will be challenged, both intellectually and in other area's.
On one of my first days in my Human Services 101 class, my professor looked at my whole class and said "Nobody is unworthy of help." and in that moment, my whole belief system was challenged. My head went wild with a list of groups of people I had biases against, and I am still wrapping my head around this idea, all because my teacher made one statement.
8. You don't need anyone who doesn't need you.
One of the biggest things my freshman year of college taught me was that I don't need people who provide a negative energy in my life. I am always willing to work on my relationships until I feel as though they are negative and toxic to me.
The first year of college is always a time for learning new things and changing as a person, and my first year of college was no different. My first year of college was a great experience, and I wouldn't have it any other way.