I feel like this year is really about, like, the year of just realizing stuff and just coming into your own and finding yourself. I feel like all my friends around me and everyone around me -- we're all just, like, realizing things. -- King Kylie (a.k.a. Kylie Jenner)
Now that the school year is officially behind us and summer is in full swing, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my sophomore year of college. Looking back, I definitely experienced my fair share of ups and downs, as I'm sure most of us did. After all that's been said and done, I've ~realized~ quite a few things myself that I'm glad I know now.
1. Live one day at a time.
If you're like me, it's easy to get caught up in the growing list of responsibilities and feel like everything needs to happen right now. Even though there's a ton of things happening during college, it's all spread out over time. Focusing on what you want to get done in a single day can eliminate a lot of that stress and help you live in the moment.
2. Effort is attractive.
Remember high school, when it was kinda cool to not try at anything (#senioritis)? Guess what, those days are long gone. Don't be that MIA group member or that bum who doesn't join any campus orgs. This is the only time you're given so many opportunities and options, so don't let them go to waste!
3. Nothing can replace your best friends.
In need of a study buddy? Dance party break? Workout partner? Someone to go out with? Or even a shoulder to cry on? 10 times out of 10, your best friends have your back. The best part of my year definitely had to do with the people I shared these moments with.
4. Long-distance friendships are now a constant part of life.
Even though you get to meet a ton of amazing new friends, you can't forget the relationships you left from home. When I'm at college, I miss my family and friends who go to other schools (S/O to my best friend for going to Oregon State). When I'm at home, I miss all of the friendships I've established at school. From now on, that's just how it is.
5. Learn to deal with FOMO.
Everyone is on different schedules, so you have to do what's best for you. Sometimes, that means missing a rowdy night out with your friends. Have the self-control to get through these times; your grades and sanity will thank you.
6. Love yourself.
I don't want to get caught up in any clichés here, but this is so important. Not having a good relationship with yourself will get in the way of everything you do. If you don't feel good about yourself, it's hard to feel good about anything else.
7. You will continue to surprise yourself.
In this year alone, I've surprised myself ten times over with what I can do. Do I still f*ck things up? Literally all the time. But I've had plenty of victories along the way that have taught me that I'm capable of more than I think.
8. It's OK to ask for help.
Reaching out for help doesn't make you weak. It means you're smart enough to know when you need help.
9. Count your blessings.
Every day has its challenges, but you always have so much to be grateful for that's right in front of you. Never lose sight of these things.
10. Don't take anyone, or yourself, too seriously.
It's okay to make mistakes. A lot of them. I'll be the first to admit I have thousands of flaws, but I can't make progress if I judge myself or others too hard.
