We all enter our college experience with preconceived notions that have been ingrained in us since we were young. Just like how "Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide" tried to prepare us for middle school, "22 Jump Street", followed suit in trying to demonstrate what college is like. However, I quickly learned that nothing can actually prepare you until you’re in college itself. We all want college to be “a new beginning”, something amazing that we will never forget for the rest of our lives, but that is not the experience that everyone has. On our journey into adulthood, we all learn lessons along the way, and these are mine.
When I first came to college I was miserable. I am not just talking about the common thoughts like “I do not want to be here, I hate all of this school work”. I am referring to the feeling of being absolutely alone. My whole life my mom has been by my side, and not having her right down the hall was a crippling feeling. I became so accustomed to always having her there and receiving her help with anything that I needed, but now for the first time ever, I was all on my own. Slowly I began to adjust to the fact that I had to grow up because I had no other choice; and to me, that is one of the most important parts of college. I learned many lessons in my first two years, and it is crazy to think I am just dipping my toes in the pool of adulthood. However, I know that many more lessons and experiences await me.
One of the most pertinent pieces of advice that I have pulled from my freshman year is that there is no such thing as a “best friend”. Sure, that sounds depressing, but it is the cold hard reality. Part of growing up is learning to stand on your own and not depend on people, and that means letting go of the notion that someone is always going to be there for you no matter what. I want to clarify that I am not referring to your family or your significant other, those people will love you unconditionally. However, the idea that a person who you meet is always going to pick you up when you’re down and you can lean on them is a false notion. All this being said ,that does not mean that I do not have good friends, but we all need to learn to be our own best friend. In the end, all you’re left with is you.
When starting again at a whole new place with new people it is easy to become unsure of yourself and insecure. That is all part of the journey, and (as cheesy as that sounds) is the truth. You look around and you see all of these new faces, pretty girls, and smart people, and think why can’t I be like them? Never doubt yourself, you are like them, it is just going to take the time to get your footing in this new universe that you’re a part of. It is so easy to get lost in the clutter of who is someone and what you should be doing, but stay true to yourself, study hard, and just keep going. We can do anything, and that is the most important lesson of all.
