College is exactly what I expected. Everything you're supposed to do, you do by yourself. You don't have Mom or Dad texting you saying, "It's 11:30, why aren't you home yet?" Throughout the summer before college you spend every waking moment soaking it in with friends and family you will soon be separated from. Those last dinners and goodbyes were hard, but I didn't realize how much harder it can be to grow up within a matter of weeks.
College has already taught me so much about myself and it's just the beginning. It hit me like a ton of bricks -- all at once. It is easy for me to say, now, that not much could've prepared me for what college really is. I have learned more life lessons in a matter of four months than I have my whole life. So, here are some of the lessons college has taught me.
1. Your family and friends aren't going anywhere.
The saying, "distance means so little when someone means so much," is completely true. They will still be there for you when it comes time for fall and winter breaks. FaceTime is the key to these relationships.
2. I learned it's OK to not get straight As.
The world isn't going to end if you don't.
3. Naps are a real key to happiness.
4. I am 100 percent responsible for my education.
No one is on my back reminding me to do my paper, or study for my tests. Professors don't care if you forget a deadline; it's one less assignment for them to grade.
5. Coffee makes the world go round.
6. Dorm food is dorm food and there's not much you can do about it.
Missing mom's home cooked meals is at an all time high.
7. All of a sudden, 18 is the magic number.
You are an adult, now, and you get to make all your own decisions -- going out or studying is the biggest question. And to be honest, you need a little bit of both.
8. No matter how overwhelmed you may be, you're not alone.
Studying for finals is draining and 1,000 word essays suck, but everyone's doing it. Find friends and complain about it together.
9. Most of all, college is a huge stepping stone in life.
It's where you develop into the person you want to be. You're no longer stuck in a high school clique or a part of close-knit club or team...you're an adult. College is as close as it can get to the 'real world' while still getting an education and you can make it exactly what you want it to be. No one is holding you back.
