College seems like a big party 24/7. That is the expectation for many seniors looking into colleges. Where will be the best college to party?
Nothing beats Syllabus Week. But right around the corner, classes actually begin; and they are not easy. Students come into college with the intentions of constantly drinking and hanging out with friends. While that may be the case for some students, many actually spend their nights "partying it up" in the library. Oh, the joy of being a college student.
The expectations of college versus reality is mind blowing and it pushes kids away from their school work and even actual work. Students get so caught up into partying and the theme of the night while the library is calling their name. In high school debating on colleges seemed like the hardest decision, only to figure out once I got there where my hang out would be. The first week of freedom and away from my parents, I took advantage of going out EVERY night. Once I realized my first Biology exam was coming up, I instantly got scared. It changed my perspective on college. I saw everything so differently. My grades became my priority, not where my friends were going.
College taught me that I have to know how to prioritize my schedule and how to say no to going out, even when I absolutely did not want too. With that, I almost felt powerful of my own life for once. Going to college three hours away from home meant I did not have my parents harassing me on keeping my grades up, do the dishes, or even my laundry. I was my housekeeper and I chose when things needed to be done. Adjusting to that lifestyle was hard, but one of the greatest things to ever happen to me. While my view on life was evolving to adulthood, I realized how much longer I wanted to stay a kid.
Growing up was bitter sweet, but college kind of teaches you how to fend for yourself. Paying for my tuition, I was not going to let my grades slip away when I have perfect control of them. It was time to step up, be the adult and take control.
When I was going away for college, I knew I would be in charge of my future, but I never really knew how much responsibility it was. Studying for exams and doing the most tedious homework assignments, eating becomes forgotten and laundry piles up. Then, when all the roommates are going out, you have nothing to wear since everything is dirty. It seems one thing becomes another thing, and college taught me how to handle myself and even multitask chores. Who would have known that it took 18 years of my life to figure out how to do chores on my own?
However, when looking for colleges to attend, do not just focus on the parties and the cool hangouts, but consider the academics and campus. I would even consider how nice the library is since a lot of time is spent in that building. Most people feel as if they should be charged rent the amount of times they visit the library.
College changed my life.
