Eleven months ago I graduated from high school: the place I spent all of my time dreaming about college and independence. Nine months ago, I drove down the street with my best friend, talked about how this was my last Wednesday in our hometown, talked about the fears/possibilities that college has to offer, and how it was almost time to say goodbye.
Fast forward nine months and here I am: finishing my first year of college. Here are the 15 things I learned during my first year at USC:
1. The friends I’ve made in college push me to do the things I’ve always wanted to do, but more importantly, they have held my hand along the way.
2. I have found new ways to express myself through art and writing (and tattoos :). All of the new ways I found were completely unexpected and maybe your self-expressions will be unexpected, as well.
3. There are so many things I want to do and I can’t be afraid to do them. For example, traveling, joining a club, or an interview.
4. My dreams aren’t small and neither are yours. Don’t be afraid to have dreams that feel unattainable.
5. Everyone I’ve met has a dream of their own, a story, and a reason for that dream. My advice to you is to take the time to get to know them. However, there are awful people. College isn’t a fairytale with no villain, there are going to be hurtful people, but there is also wonderful ones, much like life.
6. My beliefs, values, and perspectives have been challenged and so will yours, however, it will help you grow and realize how important your beliefs are.
7. College is the place to find out who you are because you’re independent and away from everything you’ve ever known
8. You can’t have sleep, food, and school work. You only get two of the three.
9. Deciding to be social at 11 p.m. is completely normal.
10. This isn’t high school, no one cares about who you hooked up with or how far you went. If you want to be single, in a relationship, or just hook up, it’s all okay, just don’t settle for less than you deserve.
12. It’s okay to say no to that job, club, or anything that will push you over the top.
12. Your well-being is vital to be able to do everything and if you need someone to talk to about it, you aren’t alone.
13. There is not need to compare your personal life to someone else.
14. Having a different experience or not having gone as far as someone is okay.
15. If you want to do something stupid, chances are you can find someone to do it with you.
I am grateful for learning, being challenged, and having people to go through this with me. I hope if you're in college maybe you can identify with this and if you are just going to college, keep your expectations, watch God surpass them, and be ready to experience the best/most trying time.