Graduation is the day everyone looked forward to since freshman year. College Signing Day and Senior Prom passed, and finals are around the corner. I remember the counting down to the last day of high school, and I couldn't wait to find out what college had to offer.
High school wasn't the best four years of my life. It was actually the worst. No one wanted to leave my high school as much as I did. I was excited for college, to leave my one horse town and do something with my life. I spent my time after graduation making the perfect room, interacting with my future classmates and mentally preparing myself for the next four years of my life.
Unfortunately my college experience was far worse than I imagined it to be. Sleepless nights, stress, constant tears and hard work only to end up with a B. A 'B' might not sound bad to high school students because it's passing, but it's completely different in college. Grading is different, it's not about getting the answers right. It's about how well you present your work and how much effort you make. But professors can't see your effort, so they base your grade off of the work you submit. Getting back a grade you don't feel that you deserve is the worst feeling in the world.
In college you never know what will happen. Your day could be great but then it starts to pour and ruins your cute outfit as you're running to class. There's always two sides to any experience and college is no different. Many take it seriously and work hard while others see it as party central. It's possible to do both, but that requires great skill with time management. College isn't the way TV shows and movies portrays it. It's about which assignment will you put off until the last minute and figure out how you'll get an A on it.
Putting aside the stress, tears and feelings that you should drop out every three seconds aside, college helps you discover who you are. Although my freshman year is coming to a close, I haven't figured it out yet. But, I have three more years. I do miss my home, family and my dog. High school students say they can't wait to leave home, but who will be there to do your laundry and feed you home cooked meals? Being on your own is a big step. Spend your last summer at home and appreciate the little things because you will miss them. Your home is your home. Don't talk badly about your own backyard because it's who you are.
