We're all aware that high school taught you more outside of classes than it did actually in classes but I don't see a lot of articles regarding what is taught in college. Although we don't see many articles about "What Life Lessons College Taught Me", college is indeed another step in the life learning process. You can never be prepared enough for the path life will take you down but here are some valuable lessons I've learned thus far!
1. Deadlines are real.
High School doesn't exactly teach you this. Teachers are far more lenient in when assignments are due and give lots of unnecessary extended due dates without penalty. That doesn't fly in college. When a professor gives you a due date, that's final. You don't have the option to turn an assignment in late right before the end of the semester. If it's not in the day its due, it's a zero.
2. You'll still make friends even if you look like you got hit by a bus.
I woke up an hour earlier than needed every single day in high school just to put on a full face of makeup.I dropped this routine in college. I occasionally would throw on some concealer and mascara to get rid of any dark circles and enhance my eyes but normally, I was fresh faced. I noticed that this improved my self-confidence. I felt a bit more comfortable with my naked face and it saved me a lot of time in the mornings and before bed!
3. Sleep is more of a priority than you think
Doing hours of homework is exhausting...especially if you're doing it in your comfy bed. I am forever napping in between assignments or after all of my work is submitted on blackboard. I was far too busy in high school to get extra sleep in as I was involved with a million different extracurricular activities after classes. Now, I take advantage of every opportunity to nap that I can.
4. "Optional Conferencing Days" are lovely.
Whenever a big essay is coming up, professors would give these "optional conferencing days" which translates to "you don't have to come to class". I've never met anyone who actually shows up to class on optional conferencing days. Unless you're really struggling on the assignment, take advantage of this time and do some work that is due for another class or maybe get a head start on the assignment!
5. Most professors will make it clear their political affiliation.
Professors never fail to slip in some political statement into their lectures and it eventually turns into a class discussion. Most students don't find it charming. I'd rather hear the daily lesson that is required in order to pass the class than listen to the professor rant about their political views.
6. Professors aren't at all perfect as I had once thought in high school.
I had a glorified image of professors in my mind ever since I was a child. The movies I had watched gave me this false illusion. Although professors are well education and highly respected individuals, they still make mistakes. For example, I had a professor tell our Math 115 class that we did not need to show up to the department final because she would be conducting her own final in class on the last day. The students then trusted the professor's word (as that's what's expected) and ultimately were let down. The department emailed us the day before the final demanding for us to show up...Due to poor communication, very few actually made it to the final. Another one of my professors from my Freshman year of college constantly makes errors while grading. He'll give a failing grade on a quiz because he made careless mistakes and once you show him where he went wrong, he fixes them. Imperfections are part of human nature.
7. Office hours are useful!
If you're struggling in a class, it's helpful to visit one of your professors during their office hours. Not only will you get one-on-one time with your professor and a more detailed explanation of the lesson, you'll also show your dedication to your studies. Professors will acknowledge your effort and it will be reflected in your cumulative grade.
8. Spending time alone is therapeutic.
If you're an extrovert like me, you're not entirely fond of spending time alone as you get your energy from being around other people. I spend most of my time alone studying and once I finish, I'm too tired to go out with my friends so instead I take the time to work on myself. I apply face masks, paint my nails, take a hot shower, etc. Being alone in your thoughts gives you time to get your life in order and think about what you have planned for the week to help get organized!
9. It's okay to change your mind.
I initially started college with the determination to double major in Business Management and Theatre Arts. Towards the end of my second semester, I decided to switch my major as I wanted to attend law school once I completed my undergraduate studies. I submitted the application to transfer over to a new major and met with a pre-law advisor. It's okay to not know what you want to do for the rest of your life at this age. Some people take a year off to think about what they want to do and STILL have no idea which path to take. People shouldn't expect you to know what you're doing at this point. If you do have an idea, good for you and you're a step ahead of everyone else. However, it's perfectly fine to discover another passion, and go down a different road. Plus, your first two years of college are pretty much just gen-eds anyway!
10. Work study is valuable.
Part of my financial package was a federal work study. Work study is important because it's similar to a part-time job but it also allows you to get your assignments done. While being a full-time student, school is still your first priority and sometimes a regular part-time job is too much because it takes away from your study time. Work study is an excellent opportunity to make money, get involved on campus, and also maintain a quality GPA.
These lessons are just a few of what I've learned my Freshman year and I can't wait to see what else I'll discover the rest of my three years as an undergraduate!
