Don't worry! There will not be a test on this!
The word “college” holds many different connotations for people, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Some people choose to point out the positives. Others emphasize the negatives. So who do you believe?
In an attempt to not sway to either of these sides, I’m here to explain college in its simplest forms: the good, the bad, and the study.
The Good
I remember in high school, and even middle school, that the adults in my life who attended college constantly told me one thing: “College years will be the best years of your life. You’ll make so many friends and have lots of great memories.” Back then I didn’t believe them. I just assumed they were saying these things to either make me feel better or just to relive their college memories in their heads. Either way… they were right.
With full confidence I can say that up until I moved into college, I have never had this many friends, great memories or experiences in my life. Sorry if it’s a bit of a cliche, but there is a reason why this is a cliche. It’s all true!
While in college, I’ve been able to find people around the same age as me that share similar values, humor, and hobbies. Where else in the world can you do that? Sure, when you go out into the real world you may find the occasional coworker that likes the same band as you, but that’s about it. Nowhere else can you find someone with such similar tastes as you, that live within feet or walking distance of you! Isn't that a good thing?! No, it's a great thing!
The Bad
Like every pleasant thing in life, there is always something not as nice to counteract it. It’s a ying yang type thing, really. Now, when it comes to college, I don’t know how to say this any other way. College. Is. Hard.
It is the most challenging time of your life while being the most rewarding at the same time.
Not only is college a lot of hard work, but as a freshman you are having to learn a lot of firsts. This is most likely your first time living hours away from home. This may be your first time doing your own laundry. It is probably your first time living with a stranger, too.
As scary and bad as these firsts seem, look around you. Do you see those upperclassman and professors? They have all been through the same things you’re experiencing. Yeah! Crazy to think, right? Guess what? They’ve all made it, too. So who is to say that you aren’t just as capable as they are? Chances are, it’s you who is saying that. So, want my advice for “the bad” times?
Stop letting fear get in the way. It is as simple and as difficult as that.
The only bad thing associated with college, in my own humble opinion, is to make the mistake of letting yourself over think and to not allow yourself to enjoy all that college has to offer you.
The Study
There will be tests. There will be sleepless nights. There will be tears, sweat, and the occasional coffee spills. There will be quiet rants, and there will be not so quiet rants. That I can promise.
What I can also promise is that you will not be alone in this. Those friends you’ve made that live within feet of you will be going through the same things. There are even upperclassmen that have been there and gone through all of the stress that can share some advice if you ask, too. In the end, there is comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.
Chin up, take a deep breath, and run to the nearest Starbucks to help you make it through each assignment your professors throw your way.
That’s my advice. And hey, at the end of it all, maybe, just maybe you’ll make it out of your freshman year alive.
