On May 25, 2013, I walked across the stage and never looked back. Okay, I’m lying. I did walk across the stage leading into the rest of my life, but not without a glance behind, or two. Or several. Trading the familiar and comfortable for the big scary world of the unknown can leave an emptiness for a season. Graduation and every event leading up to it was a whirlwind, exciting, blurry, and full of potential and covered in uncertainty. But, as a college student looking back over the course of the past few years, much has changed and I am thankful for it all. I wouldn’t be the person I am without the experiences I had in high school. But what I’ve learned about myself, the world, people, love, and life since the day I bid farewell to home has proven invaluable.
1. Certain people won’t be in your life forever and that’s okay.
Some relationships won’t last and that could be for a variety of reasons – distance, loss of interest, change in views, etc. Or you will grow apart. That’s okay, too. Growing apart from some people means you are growing into yourself. You are discovering who you are – your own goals, and passions, your very identity, your path in life. And some people don’t fit anymore. Make room for new ones who compliment your changes and bring out the “you” that you want to be.
2. You’ll figure out your passions, and this will be a beautiful thing.
Yes, you’ll pick a major. And, if you’re anything like me, you’ll change a good five – or seven – times before you find one that sticks. You will try new things and you’ll throw some out. You will find what makes your heart beat and what sends sparks through your veins. You’ll take up new hobbies to replace the old habits. You’ll do the things you are meant to do, not the ones you are expected to.
3. You grow up, whatever that means for you.
You’ll shed the weight of “what people think” to an extent that is incredibly freeing and wonderful. You’ll learn that it’s perfectly okay to take that random trip across the world or wear the bright red lipstick or go out on a date with the guy/girl who’s “not your type.” And anyone who disagrees, well, that is something they’ll have to deal with. You will become unapologetically YOU.
4. You can survive life on your own.
Whether that means you can cook your own meals, buy your own toilet paper, or just be okay being alone, you’ll figure it out and you’ll fall in love with being independent. In high school, your parents are there to guide your decisions, buy your necessities, and pick you up when life falls apart. It’s good and healthy to do these things for yourself, and life gives that lesson freely and abruptly after graduation.
5. There is a world outside of high school and it’s bigger, deeper, and wider than anything you could ever imagine.
This has been one of my personal favorites. College alone will teach you this fact. You’ll meet so many people, all from different walks of life. You’ll be exposed to new things and new experiences. You might experience culture shock. You’ll become friends with people you never would have in high school. You get to pick and choose who is in your life and who gets to stay (and that is a wonderful new concept).
