Going into college, I believed I had everything figured out, even though I was actually clueless. The past two years spent at college have taught me more about myself and the people around me than I could've imagined. I'm still figuring out who I am as a person and what I want out of life, and I know college is complicated but here's what I've learned half way through it all.
1. You find and lose your best friends in college.
I've lost friends who I thought I'd have by my side forever, whether it be due to conflict, too many differences and even death. But I've also found the best friends and grown close to people I wouldn't have had as friends in high school. People are always changing, but the best ones will stay by your side no matter what.
2. You can't judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
There are classes that you must take to fulfill core requirements that will leave you feeling stupider than most. These classes have nothing to do with your major, so they're not in your area of expertise -- they'll cause you to question whether or not you can even "do college." Or is that just me?
3. Procrastination is inevitable.
Some of you may say that you'll never procrastinate and that's a waste of breath. You'll have so many assignments, events and commitments that the only time you'll have left is the night before it is due. But don't sweat it, you can't get diamonds without a lot of pressure.
4. College football is an experience like no other.
What more can I say? Nothing beats spending Saturdays in your stadium with 10,000 other cheering fans. For several hours all your worries are pushed to the back of your head and football takes priority.
5. Mental health days are absolutely necessary.
College is overwhelming and stressful, some professors take that into account and some don't. It falls into your hands to ask yourself whether or not you're OK and it's up to you to decide if you can handle the stress. If you can't though, join the club -- no one will call you weak for needing a day to yourself.
6. You must make a conscious effort to grow up.
You cannot act the way you did in 11th grade and expect to be successful. You have to make smart decisions on your own; you have to wake yourself up, cook healthy meals, not blow your entire paycheck at Target (guilty) and decide who is too toxic to keep in your life.
7. Waking up for 8:30 a.m. classes is the hardest thing you'll have to do.
Avoid them at all costs, but if you must take them then go to sleep at a decent time and set ten alarms in the morning.
8. Relationships are great, but friendships are better.
Yay for significant others because they're so so supportive and so loving (if you find the right one). But sometimes you just need your best friend and a different voice of opinion and reason.
9. Your professors want you to succeed.
Meet with your professors! There's not a single reason why they'd rather you fail than pass their class and they understand that life gets overwhelming, talking to professors and asking for help can make all the difference.
10. You need a support system.
Having a close group of friends (including my mom) to fall back on when I need a pep talk or someone to talk things out with makes life a little easier. Life is hard enough to get through on your own, so there's no reason to not lean on your loved ones.
11. College becomes home.
My university has definitely become home to me, there's no where else I'd rather be and I dread the day that I have to leave.
12. Time flies way too fast to not live life well.
Especially during your college career, time flies. So there's no reason to not do everything you've ever dreamed of doing. College is the best time to be selfish and live for yourself.
