1. College is Worth It

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The thought of college is exciting. Whether its the university of your dreams or a community college ten minutes from your house, it typically marks the start of a long, unforeseen, and interesting adulthood, which usually excites us kids. The day after I submitted my first college application I began checking my email every five minutes- no exaggeration. This went on for 6 months until I finally got the stupid acceptance email I'd been waiting for. I was just eager to escape my small town where I was faced with the same people everyday, and the same lifestyle for 18 years. I was beyond ready to create this perfect life I envisioned for myself, regardless of what it took. Everyone warned me "college won't be easy," "life doesn't; get easier after high school." And I didn't care if it wasn't easy, I just knew it would be worth it. I wasn't wrong- it is two days before the spring semester of my first year of college begins and I can attest- the insanity that is being a full time college student whilst employed- is worth every time I've wanted to get in my car and drive the three hours back home to the town I'd itched to get away from. It is worth the moments of hushed cries in the library, and the ridiculous amount of phone calls to my mom a day, to talk about anything and everything. You will make friends and there are days you won't get a moment to yourself, and there will still be days where you feel lonely. You might even be in a classroom of 300 students and still feel alone. There will be days you will question everything about your life and wonder if college is even for you in the first place and consider the repercussions of dropping out. You will envision your life ten years down the line and compare what a bachelors degree will get you and what a diploma will get you. You'll ask yourself if Bill Gates and Steve Jobs didn't need a degree, why should you? We're not all software geniuses with a plan written in the stars, guys. You can be the smartest kid from your high school and you might still have instances where you feel like the dumbest kid in the room. This is normal. College is one of the most unique experiences I think we face and if you've gotten as far as getting there, stay there and prosperhttps://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&...

2. College Life is Weird

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There are no better words to describe the life of a typical college student and no two experiences are the same, but I think every student can agree- college life is weird. There are people walking the campus in flashy suits and pretty dresses and others that look like they haven't seen a mirror in a week, or a shower nonetheless. There are the people that only talk about test scores and study groups and those that talk about the blunt they're going to puff on later- whatever takes the edge off I guess. I have seen people arguing 'all college students are going to Hell,' on the same corner people have preached that' Jesus loves us all.' I will say, the most friendly creatures on campus are usually the squirrels. Really nothing can perfectly prepare you for what you will face on a college campus, except maybe Manhattan in the middle of December when the city is crawling with all walks of life. Some completely lost and trying to find their way, and others who know exactly what they're doing and where they're going. I personally would like to consider myself as one of those inbetweeners; not lost, but not exactly found yet either.

3. High School Did NOT Prepare You

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Sorry to break it to you but, high school does a terrible job of trying to prepare you for college and the real world. They don't tell you how to ration out food and money so you don't end up hungry halfway through the week- college diets are way more than ramen noodles and frozen pizzas. They don't tell you, you'll have issues with your roommate, and your neighbors are so loud you're going to need ear plugs. They certainly don't tell you to watch your drink because the guy who you lent your math notes to, just might drug it when you're not looking. Your favorite teachers probably didn't tell you professors don't care about a computer malfunction or a doctor's note as an excuse. If an assignment is late, even by a minute- YOU GET A BIG, FAT, GRADE WRECKING ZERO. No one holds your hand in college- except maybe a friend if you decide to go get your first tattoo. If you get sick, your mom is not going to bring you medicine and take your temperature. You'll be too busy to go buy medication and you will forget to even take care of yourself, and you might even cry- but you'll live. You might even get a job and although that check seems pretty and hefty, more than likely it will all go to necessities like food, bills, and gas. The beauty in lack of preparation is finding your way with everyone else that is lost. That's basically how college friends are made."Your life is a mess? Mine is too, let's be friends!"

4. If You're Hesitant, Wait it Out!

Whether you are about to go to college or you're already here and don't know if you want to stay, my best advice is to give it a chance and wait it out. College is scary, and sometimes you're forced to figure out life on your own, but in the long run, sacrificing a few years of late night study sessions and early morning classes pays off- literally. As young adults we are typically used to comfort. While everyone's home situation is unique, one thing everyone can agree on is that it is comfortable. Breaking out of one's comfort zone takes a lot of courage and bravery. Going out into a world where you can either sink or swim is a lot to handle, but at one point we all have to. College might be beating you down right now, but this time next year you could be thriving and thanking yourself you didn't leave. Work smarter now or work harder later- your choice.