25 Non-Academic Lessons I Learned In My First Two Years Of College
Start writing a post

25 Non-Academic Lessons I Learned In My First Two Years Of College

College and life are hard, but they have taught me some very important lessons so far.

33
25 Non-Academic Lessons I Learned In My First Two Years Of College
Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels

Recently I was catching up with a friend from home when he asked me what I learned this year. I (and this may come as a shock to anyone who knows me) had no response. What did I learn this year?

I learned that several decades ago people thought that coffee caused cancer due to the confounding factor, smoking. I learned that UPS truck drivers use scientific management. I learned that despite killing the French game in middle school, I cannot learn French on Zoom. But that's not what my friend was asking.

So what did I learn this year? This really got me thinking, because this year was absolutely bonkers. A rollercoaster from start to finish, and even just the beginning of the spring semester feels like half a lifetime ago. It turns out I learned a lot. So here is a list of twenty-five things that I have learned in my first two years of college.

1. Drinking does not make someone a bad person. And not drinking does not make a person lame.

2. Making new friends does not take anything away from your relationship with old friends.

3. Time management is a key component of success.

4. You shouldn't be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new.

5. No one's opinion of you should matter except for your own. All that matters is that you like who you are and who you are becoming.

6. Surround yourself with people who are good for you. Remove those who are not.

7. Sometimes the friends you think will last just don't, and that is OK.

8. When things don't work out, better things are ahead. God never closes a door without opening at least a window.

9. Jump at every opportunity, go for everything, just see what happens.

10. Write things down.

11. Take pictures.

12. The ability to have fun alone is extremely valuable.

13. It is OK to not be OK. Really, that's not just something people say. It's OK.

14. It's good to ask for help.

15. Communicate, communicate. communicate.

16. Don't shut people out because you think that's the best thing for them. You don't get to decide what's best for other people.

17. Plans change.

18. Grades aren't everything. They're important and you should always do your best, but it can't be your whole life or be the only thing that defines you.

19. Get outside, breathe fresh air, feel the sun. Every day.

20. Don't take things for granted—loved ones, your education, passions, life, anything.

21. Drink lots of water.

22. Sleep as often and for as long as your body needs.

23. Don't let other people tell you how to live.

24. Hug harder.

25. Tell the people you love that you love them. There is no such thing as saying it too much. One day they might not be around for you to say it anymore, and then it will feel like you said it too little.

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.

50570
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?

32328
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.

955617
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.

180701
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