As my final year of college continues, I look back and realize college teaches you more than just what you learn in the classroom. Whether you are still in high school or making your way through these four years of your life, here are some things you should learn from this life experience:
1. Be resilient.
Nothing is going to be handed to you in life. If you do not learn how to be resilient during these few years of college, you are going to struggle for the rest of your life. That resilience you used to pass that test will end up getting you that dream job down the line, so don't forget about it when the time comes.
2. Be proud.
Do not let anyone make you feel bad for your achievements. Whether it is in the classroom, in a sport, for a club or any other award you may receive in college, you earned it for a reason. People will always try to bring you down now and for the rest of your life. Come out on top and show those people that their negative energy cannot bring you down.
3. Push through the "impossible."
You may think that you are not tough enough to complete an assignment, get through a tragic event or conquer whatever obstacle is in front of you, but the reality is that you are stronger than you think. Push through everything that gets put in front of you and come out stronger than before.
4. Work hard.
Everyone thinks that college is one big party, but did you ever think that you could do both at the same time? With good time management skills, you can get the A in the class you need for your GPA while making it to the party that EVERYONE will be talking about tomorrow.
5. Treat people better than they treat you.
No matter what someone does to you, treat them with respect. People will be rude and hurtful and do who knows what else to you during your life, but the way you respond is most important. As the phrase goes, "kill them with kindness."
6. Take a break.
Regardless of what people say, it is ok to take a break. At the end of the day, you are only a human. You can take on the world, but while you do that, you can take a moment to sit down and relax. It may be hard to do at first, but it is definitely acceptable to do.
7. Don't take "no" for an answer.
No matter what people say, do not let people tell you that you cannot do something. If anything, use that negativity and build from it. People can tell you "no" or say that "you're not good enough," but as long as you keep working for it, one day you will reach your dreams.
8. High school is not everything.
Once you graduate high school and begin your college career, you will slowly learn that high school really didn't matter. College is the chance to reinvent yourself and not stick with the label that high school gave you.
9. Be yourself.
Going along with No. 8, just be yourself. On the big (or small) campus you are spending the next four years at, you will find the group that appreciates you for the person that you are. Do not let other people keep your true colors from shining.
10. Never lose sight of your dreams.
College is probably one of the craziest times of your life. You are going to fall in love, have your heart broken, fail a test, ace a test, go to the best parties, have amazing nights in and everything else in between, but the most important thing is to keep your eye on the prize. You went to college to follow your dreams in the first place. Don't forget to stick to the path, even when life gets in the way.
I am still going through this whole stage of my life, and I am sure I will learn more until May comes around. Until then, take some of the lessons I learned and make your four years a little easier as you discover so many things about yourself that you did not know where there.
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