College is many things. College is fun. College is horrifying (*cough cough anatomy lab practical.*) College is stressful. But there is one thing that college is most certainly not, and that would be easy. Between managing school work and a social life (let's not bring up the extracurricular obligations and trying to find ESSENTIAL time for Netflix) it is easy to get caught up in attempting to manage it all and somehow remain centered. Lucky for you, the brilliant mind of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, has custom created 11 quotes designed to help college students get through their four years of blissful turbulence. To be honest, the previous sentence was a small fib, but inadvertently The Great Twain did in fact create several brilliant quotes that perfectly advise and inspire us young college folk.

1. “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.”

No matter what happens during your four years of college, Twain lets you know that laughter is the all time BEST medicine. There are going to be inevitable ups and downs throughout your college career, but maintaining a sense of humor in the midst of it all is probably the healthiest and wisest definitive decision to make. Disappointments come in several shades of colors ranging from breaking up with a boyfriend to failing a big test. It’s natural to feel let down or even defeated by these tribulations, but keeping a sense of humor will get you through the dark days and lead you to the light. During the good times, remember to live in the moment and take it all in. Its healthy to not always take life so seriously. Remember to enjoy the ride, while also making it count.

2. “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”

I often remind myself of this quote when I’m really feeling myself and doing well in school. Although it's essential and respectable to be well-versed in different school subjects, the organized school system does not provide you with a complete education. Don’t forget to keep learning about other topics that can’t always be taught in a classroom, such as kindness, or how to cook. Find new ways to grow and broaden your overall education, rather than limit yourself to what you learn during lecture.

3. “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

When entering college, especially if you go to a school where you don’t know many people, there’s a lot of pressure to find and make friends ASAP, and let’s face it, who wants to go through this thing alone? Lying about who you are as a person or what you’re into can be exhausting. Not only does it lead you down a pathway full of artificial friendships, but it’s hard to remember what exactly you like or don’t like. When you stay true to who you are and what you believe in, you will always feel comfortable speaking freely and with confidence.

4. “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

Who you choose to surround yourself with in college speaks volumes of who you are and who you want to be. College is the perfect time to create an ideal environment for your own personal growth- it’s a fresh start! People who discourage you of your dreams should be disposed of IMMEDIATELY. Only choose to be close to those that not only inspire you, but encourage you. By surrounding yourself with people who you look up to, it will inspire you to become as great as you view them to be. It’s important to remember that when you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas, meaning its best not to hang out with people who aren’t making the right choices, because you inevitably become involved in their choices. Associate yourself with people who do the right thing and strive for greatness, and you too will become great.

All in all, college is a lot. A lot of work, a lot of new experiences, and a LOT of fun. Staying true to yourself, keeping a sense of humor, staying educated and surrounding yourself with amazing people will ensure you get the most bang for your buck while you’re attending college! Thanks Mark Twain!