I never thought that college would have the enormous impact on who I am that it did. I can confidently say heading into graduation the next couple of months, that I know exactly who I am, what I want to do and what I want to get out of my life.
The first two years of college seem like a blur. I remember being so excited to escape from my hometown and parental guidelines and live life freely and happily. Little did I know that college was no joke. Not even just academically per se, college is just chock-full of lessons on lessons on lessons.
How to be responsible with attending classes and studying on your own time.
How to reach out and meet new people that you typically wouldn't associate yourself with.
How to become involved in things you never realized existed.
How to live independently as well as with others.
How to be responsible with money.
And the list could continue for eons.
The most important thing I learned in college didn't come from the textbooks that we spend a fortune on every semester, or from any group project that you're inevitably forced into throughout your years. It came from myself, with a little help from professors.
It's a strange concept really, college. You throw a bunch of recently graduated students together that think they know what they want to do and give them the chance to become whatever they want to be, if they're up for the task. You can essentially become whatever you dream of being with the right motivation and skill sets.
The question remains... Can someone train you to be something you're meant to be? Or, does it just come naturally.
I always knew I wanted to do something that had to do with writing, so did my family. It's something that came naturally to me and something that I could see myself doing every day until my last day. So, when a professor I had kept commending my writing skills and pushed me towards public relations, I couldn't believe how much of a perfect fit it was for me. I found what I was meant to do and it couldn't be any more perfect for me.
The most important thing I learned in college is to be who you are and to never settle for anything less. If you worked your ass off for an A on a paper and you received a B, ask the professor their reasoning and maybe it's some minor error. If you love being involved in Greek Life, go out and get as involved as you can. If you love writing, write everyday. Don't let anyone's perceptions and opinions stop you from doing something that you love.
We were all put on this planet for a reason. You should do what you love everyday and settle for nothing less. That is the most important thing I've learned in college.
