College is undeniably one of the most defining times in a young person’s life. Year one has been an insanely awesome time for me- I have discovered so much about myself, and about life beyond my hometown and the house I grew up in. As excited as I am for summer, for beach trips, late nights, seeing my friends and spending time with my family; a part of me is ready to go right back to class and continue the journey I’ve been on for the last eight months. Here are some of the biggest things I learned from my first year in college, and some of the biggest things I didn’t:
What I Did Learn:
Everyone is nervous, too.
About making friends. About that test next week. About what classes to take next semester, where to study abroad, if they’ll get the internship. Somehow it’s helpful and calming to know that everyone else feels the same way you do. Life goes on, and so should you.
Sleep is important.
Naps. Naps are the greatest gift given to humanity. They allow you to feel refreshed and energized, and help you get back to class without yawning every two seconds. Take advantage of opportunities to squeeze in some shut-eye- you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.
This is okay. You plan and organize, and try to be on top of your work, but when all your assignments get stacked up, the situation will arise. Chances are, your classmates are in the same boat. They might even be sitting on the floor next to you.
What I Didn’t Learn:
Where is that professor’s office?
I’ll find it. Eventually. But seriously, know where their offices are, and their hours, too. It comes in extremely handy.
How to achieve dorm organizational bliss and avoid overpacking.
After reading dozens of lists about what to pack and watching hours of videos about what you do and don’t need in your dorm room, one would think I would have a perfectly set up space with Insta-worthy organization. Unfortunately, I continue to fall victim to the “goes home for break, brings back twice as much stuff as I left with” mentality, and my dorm room remains as messy as ever. Hopefully next year I’ll have a better understanding of what I really do and don’t need.
How to live off of coffee.
See above: naps. Coffee is a wonderful treat, but I don’t know how people use it as a replacement for sleep. Always choose sleep.
-My future career path, goals, plans, life outline.
The big one. I went into college thinking I had it all figured out, only to feel the crushing grip of reality right away. However, I’m so glad I have this opportunity to take the time to plan and figure out who I am and where I’m going.
The great thing is, I don’t need to know all the answers now. There’s always Year two. And three. And four. And all of your life after that. Knowing it all today would make the future extremely boring, and take the fun away. Now, bring on summer!
