Upon arriving to college, the 18-year-old brain is not fully developed and, let's face it, kinda dumb. In college, many lessons are learned through experiences that have to happen. Attending a big university can be scary, and getting a job and transferring into the real world is petrifying. There are so many things we learn at this age of our lives, but there are a few that are completely necessary to acquire before we grow up... and these we won't learn in our MWF classes.
You must learn how to be alone. I don't mean learn how to stay in on Saturday nights cozied up on the couch catching up on homework. What I mean is, how to be content with just you. When I first got to Tech I can remember being so consumed in trying to find the perfect guy. I finally came to realize, I shouldn't be out searching for him at Conference. I needed to sit back, relax, and let it happen with time. And it has. I know exactly who I am as a person, and it is refreshing to be so in touch with myself. Being independent is something I pride myself for, and learning how to be alone has taught be how to be this way.
Cooking in college is a necessity for many reasons. First, it saves you money. I can go to Market Street and spend around $200 on groceries for almost a month. Fast food can become costly. Learning to cook has also helped me stay fit in college. No matter how healthy you are eating at restaurants, it will never be as healthy as what you can concoct on your own in the kitchen. Finally, to all my ladies out there, being able to cook is a huge turn on for a guy. I suggest learning how to grill as well. Personally, I enjoy cooking and I'm glad I acquired this love to be in the kitchen while I was in college.
Cleanliness is also a trait you can never go wrong with. I know all of you have had those Sundays where the house is filthy from Saturday night shenanigans and you are so worn out that you leave it messy for a few hours until you build up the energy to hose down the place. That is totally acceptable. BUT to pile up your crap in the living room all week because you are simply too lazy to walk eight feet to your room is not. Starting out messy in college is a step in the wrong direction for the rest of your life. If you can't pick up for yourself how are you going to manage to pick up after your children in the future? Get off the couch, clean your dishes out of the sink, and I promise you will feel like a better person.
One thing I am still learning day by day is to think before I speak or act. Your reaction to a situation can change the situation completely, and I am slowly but surely learning this. Being the outspoken, harsh but truthful, person I am, I'm slow to think before I speak. I voice exactly what I am thinking in any situation, whether it is good or bad. It's what I think so I should be able to say it, RIGHT?! Wrong. I've come to realize opinions can hurt people's feelings, and ruin relationships. In the future I hope to have mastered this so that I never jeopardize relationships with people I work for or care about. I've also learned to anticipate what is going to come after my actions as well. As children, we act on instinct and this is totally normal. But, as any young adult will, I have learned to consider the effects of my actions and words before going through with them.
Out of all the different drinks I have tried in college coffee is one of the most worth-wile. I have learned to love mornings. Coffee has been a major factor in this. With my major of Journalism, a majority of the upper level classes are only offered in the morning, meaning I have to face the dreaded 8 a.m.'s most Tuesdays and Thursdays until I graduate. Learning to love mornings and coffee is the only way to get through it. I thoroughly enjoy waking up early, making breakfast, and enjoying my hazelnut cup hot from the Keurig. Going through all of college taking afternoon classes isn't preparing you for the real world. Most jobs are going to require you to work form 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. obviously, and starting the uneasy habit of rising early when your still in school can be a huge help. Changing sleep patterns is not easy. It takes time and practice. I am so thankful that my major forced me into my early morning habits.
The most important thing to learn in college is who your real friends are. Having a small tightly wound group of friends is way better than having an enormous group of people you can't always count on. I can honestly say I have about four gals I can totally rely on at any time to help me with anything, and I'm content with that. People will come and go in your life, but true friends will always stay. Constant fights with friends, whether they be small or gigantic, are not worth it. Sometimes breaking ties with toxic people isn't being immature, it's being strong. As cliché as it sounds, some people are brought into your life as blessings and others as lessons. Yes, college is about learning and growing as a person to set you up for a life of success. But— one cannot truly be successful unless they are happy, and happiness comes from friendships and love. Learn who your real friends are by keeping the people in your life who love you, motivate you, and make you happy. Let go of those who don't.
