I find that things are quite different now that I'm in college. Maybe that's because I'm out of my tiny private school in a small Connecticut town, or because I've seen and done more, or maybe it's just because I'm older. Either way, I've come to really appreciate certain things/activities - or at least understand their importance. This is a pretty great process because I don't know about you, but I was way problematic in middle school, and still not good in high school, just less so. Plus, my mental health was decidedly not awesome then. Now though, I am generally happier, open to new experiences, and willing to learn. (I'm still unlearning some of my problematic behavior too, by the way, because that's a process that lasts a lifetime.)

Tastes change, and we learn a lot of stuff in the time it takes to graduate high school, not to mention during the early years of college. Adjusting to everything can be a challenge, and you're bound to end up a different person.

So here are 11 things that I definitely appreciate MUCH more now that I'm in college!

1. Leggings as pants

I used to have this idea of how I should dress, and what things were(n't) okay - and this was often based on what other people told me. My brother once said that flats are stupid looking, and I didn't wear flats for ages. While I agree that flats are generally ugly, this just cemented in my mind that I shouldn't wear them. This same thing happened with leggings, somehow.

Honestly though, I think it was specifically the teachers at my (all-girls, private, Catholic) school telling us we weren't allowed to wear leggings, unless we were wearing long shirts, that convinced me: I should wear leggings as pants. Because I hate people telling me I can't do things.

My feelings on leggings as pants are pretty easily summed up by this handy Tumblr post:

This perfectly aligns with my personality, which is often summed up by this emoji: (ง •̀_•́)ง

2. Hanging out with my mom

My mom is awesome. I think that back in high school, she was more strict and I was less open, which tended to create tension between us, but in the last couple years, she’s become someone I can tell anything to. She doesn’t care that I get tattoos or piercings or dye my hair. Sure, sometimes she doesn’t necessarily love the piercings (like, say, my medusa piercing), but she respects that it’s my decision to make, and doesn't spend time making me feel bad about it.

Also she's supportive of whatever future plans I create.

My mom's pretty cool like that.

Now, we tend to watch movies or TV shows together, or go out to eat, or even just do our own things in the same room, glad for each others company. Obviously, now that we're hundreds of miles apart, we're excited to hang out whenever I get a chance to go back home.

Look at us (+ my cousin Kory) in Disneyworld, way back when!

I'm the one on the left, looking like a mess (as per usual). My mom loves me anyway!!

3. studying for exams

Haha okay I won't lie to you! I absolutely hate studying. It's the worst.

Thanks, Jean Ralphio, you always understand.

But it's a necessary evil - one that will help me pass my statistics class. Even if I do feel like death after a long night of studying.

I hate that I must.

4. Going to the library

I only ever went to the library in high school if I had class there, or if I needed to print something. I was actually pretty good friends with one of the librarians because of my involvement in the school book club, which I'd been in since middle school. However, I mostly avoided it because of the other librarian, who was an older English woman that was basically Madam Pince from Harry Potter. She kept it near silent in there, which wasn't conducive for studying for me then, and isn't now.

Luckily, in our very own Beeghly Library, you can always count on people to talk loudly from the second floor balcony to their friends down at the tables on the first floor! (Just kidding, I hate this. Please stop.)

Beeghly's tiered system for quiet levels are helpful, whether you're just looking to study for four hours straight (third floor), nap (also third floor), study in groups (first and second floors).

5. Having nutritious meals

My meals in high school were “a muffin” or “a bag of chips.” I literally thought they qualified as meals. Now, I’m dying to eat a good salad or a legitimate and delicious taco. Unfortunately, my salads here are more like semi-wilted spinach and a couple peppers, and my tacos are……

6. Working out

Not gonna lie, this one only happens sometimes - not all the time or on a strict schedule, but I’m working on it!

I tend to feel accomplished when I leave the gym after two solid hours, even if I also feel like I don't really have legs.

This is most definitely not the look on my face as I run.

7. Babysitting

Okay, listen. I used to feel a little weird that everyone was always getting internships at like, law firms over the summer, and I was just babysitting kids in the next town over. There was this feeling of that not being good enough (or something) that I have well and truly gotten over completely. Wanna know why? BECAUSE BABYSITTING IS SMART AS HELL.

I get paid like three times the minimum wage to play dolls and make lunch. Occasionally, there'll be a trip to the pool or the library or something, but it's just easy. Plus, I really like kids. And it's cash, which is very nice. My bank account thanks me.

Also, the hours aren't ridiculous, and I don't feel dead at the end of the day.

For a brief period of time, I worked at a Panera and that was probably the worst decision of my life. I am not made for working in the food service industry!!! I'm sure you're all surprised to learn that people kinda suck when it comes to waiters and food stuff. I got yelled at by angry customers twice on my first day on cash register; an elderly woman offered to put her hands around my neck (?!?!?!); and I had to call over the manager every three seconds, because the Costco employees from next door got a discount, but I couldn't apply discounts on my own.

BABYSITTING IS THE WAY TO GO, KIDS.

8. Drinking coffee

I never drank coffee. Now, I down it like water, which is so bad for me but I CAN'T STOP. This is me, to the Cafe/Bakery in HamWill:

9. Politics

I was always uninterested in politics, because.... I actually have no idea. I guess I don't trust politicians, and I felt like it wasn't my problem, but WOW was I wrong. (About it not being my problem - don't trust politicians, kids! They're evil.)

Obviously, some are worse than others, but if we just exclude those crazy outliers, well....

They're not perfect. Although we would like to hope, it's just not realistic to expect politicians to be perfect. There's a tendency to evangelize certain politicians for one reason or another, but it's really just a job. A well paying one, sure, and one with a lot of power; Which is why I care now.

These are the people that will dictate how the country runs, and the kinds of things that are allowed to happen. With the presidential election coming up, people are talking about voting a lot, but if you want to make a difference, you have to vote at other times too!

I know that a lot of college students are rallying around Bernie Sanders, but guess what? The polls aren't showing it! The presidential election isn't the only one that counts. Want to know something else? YOU SHOULD BE VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS. For example, SENATE ELECTIONS. (Not quite "local" but still.) Even if there's a candidate you like, what if the Senate is controlled by the opposite party? Trust me: that makes is really hard to get stuff done.

I, for one, can't stand the idea of some of these candidates getting elected POTUS. If you couldn't tell by the above picture of Trump as the literal devil.

10. Melodramatic TV shows

Example 1: Pretty Little Liars

I mean, look at them!! HONESTLY????????

Example 2: Supernatural

Please.....

I have no idea when this changed, but oh well. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

11. Positive self talk

I realize that not everyone knows exactly what I mean when I say that, so I'll explain a little.

(Yes, we're getting a little serious. Just a bit.)

In my head, in your head, in everyone's head, there's a little tape. This little tape plays your own voice to you, relaying the kinds of things you think about yourself.

A lot of the times, this tape plays some pretty negative stuff, whether it's telling you you're not outgoing enough, or smart enough, or just not enough. It's easy to get caught up in these thoughts, but even easier? Getting used to them, believing them.

This little tape is like the soundtrack to your life, except instead of some really awesome tunes, it's full of hurtful comments that you get used to just playing over and over.

And that can really mess you up.

Sometimes, I catch myself saying something and then a minute later find out that it's wrong. Instead of saying oops or just ignoring it and moving on, I'll blurt out "oh, I'm dumb" and continue. Why??? Who does that help??? NO ONE. In fact, it's downright hurtful.

Look at how sad he is for you.

While I absolutely don't agree when people say "people will love you when you love yourself" (because that's pretty negative too! You do not have to be perfect to deserve love!!!), I do agree that continuously saying and thinking mean things about yourself lowers self esteem.

So you know what you should do instead?

Practice positive self talk. Because taking out that little "I'm dumb" comment will really make a difference in the way you feel if you let it. Not telling yourself you're bad/dumb/ugly/etc. will 100% make a different in how you perceive yourself, I promise!

Of course, it's not easy. We're just so used to the negative tape playing that we can forget or slip up, but that's okay! It's a process.

You don't have to believe that you're a perfect being to be kind to yourself.

Much better!

Are you unashamedly different now that you've left high school? Do you embrace the dramatic gasping of Pretty Little Liars? Are you happy to make a positive change?

Let me know, so I can send you a hug or something.