It's A Learning Experience
Start writing a post
Student Life

It's A Learning Experience

College is an emotional rollercoaster, and the first month alone has taught me so many important lessons.

185
It's A Learning Experience
Phoebe Velez

I know what you're thinking: here we go again. Another article on adjustment to college life. But hey - can you blame me? I've been here for a month, and have learned so much already.

One of the most important things I've learned thus far is that not everything is going to be under my control. College is overwhelming, to say the very least. There are going to be a million things thrown at me, and I won't always have a handle on it all. Other times, I may think I have a handle on everything when I don't.

There are a ton of other people here in the same boat - we all just have to stay on track, and everything will turn out the way it's meant to...

...which brings me to my next point. I've learned that there are a lot of things that will go the way I'd hoped they would. There will also be things that don't. The key to maintaining a positive attitude at these points in the game is to remember everything that is going well, rather than harping on what's not. Pessimism will only make things worse.

I've also learned that it's okay to not be okay at times. It's okay to be sad and to miss people I care about. It's okay to let that out every now and then... it's actually good for you to do so. Everyone gets sad, and even a little homesick, no matter how fun the "college experience" is. And that's fine. If you're sad, it doesn't mean you hate college.

This is when a support system on campus is vital. It's at those times that I realize just how incredible the people around me are. I've had friends stay up late with me while I write papers, and checked in if they saw that I was stressed earlier in the day. I've stayed up with my friends to make sure they were okay as well.

I've surrounded myself with such amazing and genuinely kind people, and I'm so happy that we've all been there for each other.

I've learned to live a little. Don't worry - I don't mean completely abandoning all responsibilities and just sitting around... but I used to worry about anything and everything, and I'm starting to adjust to the "take things as they come" mentality that seems to be floating around. Take some time to take care of yourself; whatever's worrying you will only get worse if you obsess over it.

Take a break, listen to some music, call your family, and/or talk to some friends. We're all in this together.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59245
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38301
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959749
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197160
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments