College is unlike any other time in your life. It’s a time when you’re supposed to try new things, meet new people, make mistakes and broaden your horizons. It's a time where you figure out just who you really are and where you want to go in life.
In just two years, college has been given me some of my biggest challenges and some of my greatest memories, for all of which I’m incredibly grateful. I’ve made some of the greatest friends, been a member of a division one varsity team, pledged a sorority, pledged a business fraternity, worked at a TV station, ran a marathon and participated in a bunch of volunteer projects. The best part? All along the way, I've gotten to know some amazing people and their stories, most of which I have learned from and been inspired by.
College is the only time in your life where you have the opportunity to do so much while being encouraged to make mistakes. We’re learning. There’s no commission on the line, no potential of being fired and nobody’s a professional here just yet (even though some might try to act like they are).
But the reality is: there’s never going to be another point in our lives where we are more able-bodied, energetic, and lively as we are right now. The opportunities are endless.
Sometime during my freshman year, I came across the quote, “a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” Everybody can interpret this differently, but what I took from it was: you need to put yourself out there. There’s so much to learn, so much to do, so much to see, and all you need to is look.
There’s not another place in the world where sleep deprivation, curiosity, and fun are all so abundant. College has its own set of rules and standards. It’s okay if you’ve thought about hooking yourself up to an IV of coffee. Here, there’s a mutual understanding that nobody’s really got everything under control, and it’s pretty okay to pass out on a couch in the library, to wear a onesie around just because or to be on your sixth cup of coffee for the day.
If there’s one thing that all of this has taught me, it’s to say yes. Say yes to new clubs, to new people, to new cultures, new sports, new activities. Every new person and experience has something to teach you.
The world is right on the verge of being at your fingertips. But until then, this is your time to shine.
