College is supposed to be full of regrets, right?
Well, not for me. I had to make many tough decisions in college, and not all of them panned out. However, there are five decisions I am proud of that weren't easy to make, but I know I will never regret moving forward after graduation.
1. Joining a sorority.
I didn't ever plan on joining a sorority or even think about it until about a month before recruitment week during my orientation at UCF. Panhellenic gave a presentation on why to join Greek Life, and since I knew literally no one at UCF, I thought I might as well give it a shot. If it wasn't for me, at least I could say I tried.
To this day, I still contemplate whether or not joining a sorority was a good decision. It's expensive, time-consuming, and many people stereotype you as the typical "sorority girl," which is nothing but a false image created by TV and the movies. However, when I look back on all of the relationships I've made throughout college, none of them would have been established if I had chosen not to join a sorority.
I met my best friends in Greek Life and my boyfriend of almost three years, and it has opened so many doors for me and will continue to provide me with opportunities as an alumna. So ultimately, it was one of the best decisions I made throughout my collegiate career.
2. Working 3+ internships
I know what you're thinking: Yikes. Yes, taking on more than three internships in the three years I've been in college has been a lot. However, I don't regret my decision. Although I've lost plenty of sleep and sanity through the process, I know it will all pay off after graduation. As a journalism major, I've been able to develop an eclectic skillset by working a marketing internship, editorial internship, and photography internship.
With all of this experience under my belt, I am confident to take on the real world and whatever job opportunities come my way. I've also developed communication and teamwork skills that I may not have been able to adopt otherwise.
3. Being in a serious relationship.
I've written about being in a serious relationship in college many times because it has definitely played a part in defining my college experience. Many choose to stray away from being tied down in college, which I completely understand, and it's not easy balancing work, school, and a serious relationship. I had to sacrifice a lot of time and some friendships along the way.
But choosing to be in a relationship throughout college was the best decision I've made since coming to UCF. Without the support from my boyfriend, I wouldn't have been as confident with the other decisions I've made on this list. Marc was always there to hold my hand through every choice I made, and his opinion was often the deciding factor when it came to those decisions. Without him, I don't know where I'd be, and I definitely wouldn't have the confidence and success that I do today.
4. Choosing to stay in my major.
Changing majors is a common choice many college students have to make, and about a year ago, I almost ditched journalism altogether to focus on art, which is my minor. With the constant talk of "fake news" and discrediting of journalists in society today, it's been hard to see myself becoming a full-time reporter after college.
However, writing and journalism is my number one passion and always has been. Choosing to tune out those who talk down on journalism and news writing was a great decision because no one can tell you what to be passionate about, and at the end of the day, I know I was born to make a difference through journalism.
5. Moving away from home.
When I say moving away from home, I only mean four hours away. But that doesn't mean it was easy. I have a very close-knit family, and four hours sometimes seems lightyears away from my mom and dad. Before coming to college, I barely had any experience driving long distances and on the highway since I grew up in a small town in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Moving away from home forced me to grow up when I really needed to. I now am comfortable with traveling long distances to visit my family, and it makes our time together more special. If I had chosen to go to college closer to home, I may not have been able to blossom into the adult I am now.
6. Living on campus my first year.
Living on campus your first year of college is standard at most universities, but since the UCF student body is so massive, many begin living off campus right away. Choosing to live on campus my freshman year had its ups and downs, but in hindsight, it was the right decision.
Living in the Libra dorms my first year meant living in a tiny room with a complete stranger, and it was incredibly uncomfortable and difficult. However, I was able to learn the campus like the back of my hand, and I also made a lot of connections with other campus residents in the process. I also didn't have to worry about parking or being late to class, which is added stress I did not need my first year.
Overall, college is full of life-changing decisions and extremely stressful moments, but my only advice is to go with your gut and not be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone. As long as you listen to your heart and keep your best interests and future in mind, you will be able to look back with no regrets.
