I remember visiting different colleges during my senior year of high school, thinking college would be easier and more fun than high school. I was right, it is a lot more fun, but I realized how much harder it really is. The first week of college, “syllabus week” is a walk in the park and life is good. So many people come to college with the intention to party and have fun, but when classes actually begin, it is a whole different story. There are many nights of studying in the library until midnight or going out with my friends when I maybe should have been studying. College has taught me that it is okay to say no to going out even if that means putting your education first. College has made me realize that where my friends are going is not important, but that my grades were my first priority.

Going to college has made me realize that I am mostly on my own, I don’t have my parents reminding me that I have a test the next day or to do my homework, it is my responsibility to get things done. Adjusting to the lifestyle of being my own housekeeper and deciding for myself when things needed to get done was a hard transition for me. However, I do think it has changed me for the better. Knowing that you have to pay for college puts a little more pressure on you to keep your grades up, even though becoming an adult is hard, it is time for me to step up and take control.

When I went to college for the first time, I knew I was in charge of my own future, but I didn’t realize what a big responsibility it really is. When you get caught up in studying, not much money for food, or not having any clean clothes until you do laundry. College has taught me to multitask when things get busy and how to handle myself. Who knew it would take me this long to be able to multitask?

Before going to college, don’t consider how good of parties you might attend, think about the classes you will be taking there and always consider your education first. College has definitely changed me for the better.