It is this time of the year when I begin to remember the spring excitement of getting college acceptance letters during my senior year of high school, and the immense changes that came soon after. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I made my first big steps toward becoming an independent adult? My first day of college seemed to last forever; butterflies ate away at my nervous stomach as I took my first steps in what was to be one of my greatest adventures. Somehow, however, time has seemed to run away from me, and within the myriad of excitement and change, I have all at once found myself reaching the end of my second semester in college! Looking back, I don’t think there is much I would change about my experiences. However, I had many misconceptions about college life that I wish I didn’t have to learn the hard way. Here are some things that I wish I had known entering my first semester of college.
1. You won’t get along with everyone.
I wasn’t necessarily from a small town, but it was the kind of town where everyone knew each other and, at least, pretended to get along with each other. College was a huge eye-opener for me; there were so many people that it almost seemed overwhelming. I (being the overzealous extrovert) wanted to befriend everyone all at once. However, I soon learned that I did not get along with everyone, and in a sense, this was OK. It is much better to have friends that you truly appreciate and love, as opposed to individuals that you tolerate in order to fit in. There are so many people on campus, and college is the time to truly branch out and discover yourself, as well as the world around you. Yes, you may meet some truly awful people, but as long as you stay true to your own personality, you will also meet some absolutely wonderful people, with whom you can create lifelong friendships.
2. The key to success: kindness.
It sounds like more of a Sunday school lesson than a DJ Khaled reference, but I have quickly come to learn that the most important thing that one can do in his or her lives is to be kind to everyone around them. You never know what people are experiencing in life, and how a kind word or smile may just make their day! Money, success and intelligence means nothing to the world unless you can bring it into your community in order to positively change it. Never forget that every single person has their own cross to bear, and thus, you should never judge or be rude to them, as you will never be able to understand why they act the way they do. Furthermore, people will always remember the way you made them feel. You never know where you or another individual may be in the future, and perhaps that kind word will be paid forward in one way or another.
3. You begin to appreciate your family when they aren’t there anymore.
Isn’t it unfortunate that, as human beings, we don’t treasure what we have until we lose it? I didn’t think I would miss my family as much as I have while I am away at college. Of course, it is a comfort that they are always just a phone call away, which is a comfort for those moments when I just need to vent or need some honest parental advice. Appreciate your family while you can, because I did not realize their full significance before I was away at school, unfortunately. Throughout all the changes that are soon to follow, they will be the rock that will always keep you grounded. They will be the arms that will hold you no matter what way life brings you.
Most of all, stay true to yourself. Life is bringing exciting changes, embrace them!
