I boarded the plane with my mom and said my final goodbye to the city I lived in for nearly 18 years. San Diego raised me, but it didn't own me; it was my time to leave and move on. Going to college was all I looked forward to for two years, and I couldn't believe it was finally time.
What I never thought about was that I would learn so much more in one semester away from home than I did in 12 years of grade school.
It is okay to fail.
Never have I ever failed a test or a class. I thought my first semester of college would be easy, but that was completely wrong. You're not used to not getting homework all the time, as painful as it was to complete. That is how we studied during grade school, but in college, you're completely on your own to study. For the first time in my life, I got a 35 percent on a test. I used to get high C's and above on all exams, but you quickly learn after one failed test that that grade does not define you. It teaches you a life lesson: you get knocked down. But you pick yourself right back up and try to improve.
It is okay to say no.
We accept the love we think we deserve. -The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
It's true, we are all at fault for this. We can also all recall those late night calls and texts asking what we're doing or if we want to come over. Or those who ask what we're doing after the party. We all know where those conversations will end up. The best way to make your night, though: say no. As much as we want to or think how fun it would be, are those really the people that are going to tell you how beautiful you are at your worst times? We deserve so much more, and they won't be mad if you said no.
Your mom is the number one person in your life.
As teenagers, we want nothing more than to have our moms leave us alone. In college, however, it is the opposite. When you're sad, happy, or don't know what to do with your life, your mom is always there for you. I have talked to my mom every single day since I moved in, at least three times a day. She is always there to listen and she sends the best snacks. Growing up, we thought she was too protective, but when you're apart for months at a time, you start to miss her more than ever before and realize she wanted nothing but the best for you. Let her call you, she always knows what to say.
College seemed like a lifetime away, but before you know it, your parents are dropping you off and you won't be home for months. Take your first semester as a time to open up, get out of your comfort zone, and take in all of the new experiences. You meet so many amazing people and often question where they were your whole life. This is such a growing time for everyone, and it's nice to take advantage of all the new opportunities.
