College, the ultimate test to see if all the reminders, lessons, and chore lists our parents gave us paid off. As my second year of college is beginning very shortly, I am very grateful for all the ways in which my parents raised me. Near the end of elementary school and through the years of middle school, I remember having chores to do each week and getting an allowance on Fridays. They were just little tasks such as cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming the living room, doing the dishes, and keeping my room clean. Even though they weren’t exhausting tasks, they all taught me that keeping things organized and cleaned up made life a lot less stressful, especially now, when exam week creeps up.

Having a clean space lets my mind be able to think and focus more clearly. Getting an allowance not only was a reinforcement to keep teaching me to keep my stuff organized, but also taught me how to save. Saving money definitely comes in handy now because of the monthly bills I have to pay. Having money to lean back on if an emergency were to occur is always a good sense of security to have too.

But it wasn’t just the life skills they taught me, it was the qualities of being a person that really matters most to me. For instance, to be happy and to always spread positivity wherever I go. I realize somedays are just going to be gloomy, stressful days, but I am also aware that my problems aren’t actual problems and that there are too many blessings in my life to not be happy and positive most days. Everyone is secretly fighting a battle most of us know nothing about, so smiling at someone just because you walked past them just may make a small difference in their life.

Happiness shouldn’t just be in your mood though, it should carry through your passion in life. Always dream and do anything and everything with your whole heart. Before college even started, I switched what I wanted to study multiple times. I’ve finally settled on one that just feels so right on the inside. It’s now time to throw my all into this dream and run with it. This is so important. Living life, only being 50% into it, is quite boring. Living a life with your heart 100% into it and doing exactly what you love to do is the ultimate goal.

Life is too short, to not live out your passions and dreams. Although you may not be living your ideal life right now in this current moment as a broke college student, one day it will all pay off. In the meantime, make the best out of every situation. Every single situation can be looked at as a glass half full rather than empty. There is a positive to everything and taking note of that definitely helps a situation. Whether it’s trying to find the lesson in all of it or putting the situation into perspective has really shown me that life can be rough, but there will always be a light in a dark situation. Even if it’s only just a teeny tiny spark, there is light in every dark situation.

Not only is being a decent human, one of the most important lessons I’ve been taught, it’s the fun in life that comes after it. Spreading happiness, love and joy wherever you go will not only feel good on the inside for you, but it will feel good on the inside for the others surrounding you as well.

With all of the responsibilities that college comes with, there is one thing that should be taken note of. Make time for fun. College is a stage in which a lot of commitment and time is consumed, but don’t let it make you not enjoy the life that is passing by. You are only going to be this young in college once, so go to a party, even if it is just to see if they have a dog you can hang out with, go to the party. Make time to binge watch new episodes on Netflix and enjoy the company of friends.

Speaking of friends, be careful who you share your life with. Everyone isn’t always who they say they are. True colors don’t always show at first. With that being said, when you do stumble upon a genuine soul, never let them go, because nowadays they are very rare and very precious to have.

College is just another learning experience as every other experience in life is, but it’s also a checkpoint. One to see if everything you’ve learned up until now has taught you a little something.

To the best parents I could’ve asked for, this one is for you. If it wasn’t for all of your hard work being put into educating me on life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Thanks for teaching me the ropes, you went so above and beyond in giving me the skills I need for this lifetime, I love you guys.