My senior year of college is right around the corner. It's actually 29 days away, but who's counting? Over the last three years of college I've been through a lot, both good and bad, and as I now walk into my senior year, I'd like to share with you a few lessons I've learned while being a "college kid" on both a community college and university level.
I'm not who I thought I was.
They say you find yourself in college. Let me be the first to say that is absolutely true. I thought I knew myself after high school graduation, but looking at myself now it's more than clear I didn't have the slightest clue. In all honesty, I still don't. But that's perfectly fine. I think growing and evolving is exactly what I should be doing, and although I may feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God holds me. With him, I know everything will be okay. I know he knows who I am even when I don't know myself.
The lesson: It's okay to be a unsure. Not all who wander are lost.
I'm capable of more.
In the process of figuring out that I don't have a clue about anything, I did learn that I have the potential to do anything I want. I've never been good in math. But guess who got an A in college algebra and statistics? This girl. I've never been good at science, but guess who got an A in biology I and II? This girl. I've never been good at planning ahead, but guess who learned to love my planner and become a type A person? This girl. I am capable of anything. I know I could graduate from my university with high honors if I really put my mind to it. It all boils down to knowing that I am smart and can reach whatever goal I set.
The lesson: Even if it's hard, try. You really can do it.
I needed God more than I thought I did.
Does this need any explanation? On a personal level, the 2015/16 school year was the hardest year of my life. I fell apart too many times and felt lost more than I care to admit, but I also have never read my bible more, attended church more, and trusted in Him more than I have during that time.
The lesson: Talk to God every day. Seriously.
It's okay to ask for help
I had this insane notion that when I went to college I needed to have everything figured out. No I did not!!! And neither do you! It's okay to not understand your student loans, how to fill out a W-4, or where to pay your parking ticket. Ask for help.
The lesson: Speak up!
Learn to be independent.
With that being said, don't call someone to make your doctor's appointment for you or bail you out of every single problem. Even though you're still a kid, now is the time you're learning how to be independent.
The lesson: Learn when to ask for help.
Exercise is key.
Freshman 15 is so real! Don't think this is myth. Walk to class instead of taking the shuttle. Eat at least one green thing with one meal a day. Go to a Zumba class once a week with your girlfriends. I promise your spring break pictures will thank you.
The lesson: Get off the couch and move!
You're responsible for yourself.
I'm responsible for paying my parking and speeding tickets. I'm responsible for the gas in my car. I'm responsible for my bad grades, poor decisions, and unhappiness. I have the choice between smiling and frowning. No one else.
The lesson: Buck up, buttercup.
The future is scary, but that's okay.
I'm terrified to grow up. When I was little and was asked "what do you wanna be when you grow up?" I always answered with "I don't wanna grow up." That answer still holds true today. But the future is coming whether I'm ready or not so I might as well get ready. I may be scared, but I'll face it head on.
The lesson: It's okay to be scared as long as you don't let it stop you.
Trying new things is everything.
I can't tell you how many clubs I signed up for and wasn't accepted into. I grew up saying I wasn't a sorority girl, but I joined one and have never looked back. I learned to take odd jobs and branch out. Not only does it give me fun memories, but it also makes me a well rounded person.
The lesson: The only coward is one who doesn't try.
Learn to tactfully stand alone in your beliefs.
In the process of learning who I am, I'm learning where my moral and value lines are drawn. That includes my personal, religious and political opinions. Once I've made them, it's my job as a strong individual and citizen to stand behind them with educated conviction, even if it creates tension between those I care for. But the key to a happy life is learning how to communicate my beliefs without insulting or isolating others.
The lesson: Be passionate, be educated, but but be respectful.
Find friends in unusual places.
Speak to the person who sits next to you in history class. Speak to the guy in the gym. Say hey to the girl in line at Starbucks. Talk to the students studying in the grass. It doesn't matter where you are! The best friendships arrive unexpectedly and love always lurks where you least expect it.
The lesson: The worst thing they can say is no, and the best thing you can do is move on to the next person.
Hold on tight to old friends.
Meeting new people is fun, but the most treasured friendships are those that last through time and distance. Go out of your way to call as often as you can. Make dinner plans and stick to them. Make sure to stay involved and up-to-date in each others lives.
The lesson: School is important, but friendship is arguably just as important.
Take classes for fun.
School isn't about only taking your core classes and your major's requirements. It's about learning things you never knew you never knew! Take the religion class. Take the ballet class. Learn about abnormal psychology, floral design, or how to crochet.
The lesson: You are more than the class course catalog.
Senior year is coming. The rest of my life is coming, and so is yours. So hold my hand, jump off the cliff, and laugh with me on the way down. I promise, it's gonna be a journey!
