In high school, I had a lot of expectations of what my college experience would be like. I would go to football games, make tons of new friends, find my major/career path, and experience “the best years of my life.” In hindsight, I realize that my expectations were far-fetched and outcome-oriented. While I have made great friends, had interesting classes, and attended football games, the best moments I have had so far have come at unexpected times. Some of these moments include:

1. Deep and profound conversations

-College is the time to explore new ideas and get different perspectives from friends. Someone’s answer to the question of “what is the meaning of life?” can be eye-opening and entirely different from what you may expect.

2. Drinking a cup of tea on a rainy morning with the peaceful piano radio station on Spotify as background music

-Who ever said that it is only at big and momentous events that your life will change? Sometimes, it can be something as simple as a quiet morning that can make you reflect and find meaning in the day.

3. Getting to know a professor

-Professors are people too, and more often than not, fascinating ones at that. They will always be cooler than you are, and receiving any form of confirmation or compliment from one that you admire and respect can be very well the highlight of your week.

4. Gazing at the stars at night

-It is okay to have a moment.

5. Making mistakes and moving on.

-Embarrassing and cringeworthy moments are hard to bear, but they are the moments that you will remember with clarity years later. Looking back, you can say that you grew from those mistakes and be proud of how much personal progress you have made.

A piece of advice I would like to give to anyone who feels as though their expectations of college life is running down the drain would be to enjoy the little things in life and relax. Whether it be figuring out how to do your laundry for the first time or eating a cup of ramen in the dorms, celebrate the small victories, keep trying, forgive yourself along the way, and move forward.