Well, I did it. I am officially a college senior. Now I just need to perfect saying that without throwing up everywhere in the process.
This has been one of the most challenging years of my college career, both personally and academically. I have quite literally gone to hell and back, then back again. I have also learned a lot about myself and life in general. Much more than I could have by simply sitting in a classroom. So, thanks Montclair, Greek Life, and all of my friends for helping me grow even more over the last 9 months. Thank you for giving me even more motivation to go out in the real world at the end of next year.
Here's everything my junior year in college has taught me:
1. You can do it.
Whatever it is. Whether it be a seemingly impossible leadership position, a 15 page essay, or something else life throws your way that is incredibly scary at the time...you can conquer it. It may take time and a lot of stress, but it is doable. I have accomplished more this year than I ever thought I was capable of. You're definitely stronger than you think you are.
2. Don't give up.
You can only do it, whatever 'it' is if you persevere. There were several times throughout the last two semesters when everything seemed to be going wrong. I wanted to give up, walk away, take some easier path, but I didn't. Not giving up helped me realize some of my greatest accomplishments.
3. It will get better.
Whatever challenge you're struggling with, whatever issue is pushing you to the point of wanting to give up; it will get better. Maybe not right away and maybe not when you want it to, but eventually everything will work out exactly the way it is supposed to. You just have to wait it out.
4. There are worse things in life.
This is a big one. It has become something of a mantra over the last year. When everything seemed impossible and the issues I was facing seemed monumental; I just reminded myself that people in this world were facing issues that didn't involve GPA and petty drama. It helped put life in perspective.
5. Hard work always pays off.
Never half-ass anything; whether that be a paper, studying for a test, or planning an event. Putting 100 percent into whatever you're doing will show in the end, maybe not in the way you want, but it will be obvious in some way.
6. Say what is on your mind.
No one is going to know what you what or what you're thinking if you don't speak up. I am not saying to go around sharing your blunt opinion in whatever way you want. You should, however, find a more graceful way to share your opinion with others, let them know what you expect and find out what is expected of you.
Junior year has been difficult, but definitely worth it. I have learned a lot and came out in May a different person than I was when I started classes in September. Every lesson I learned, both inside and outside of the classroom, has made me a better person.
