Going to college has been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much in just one year. Not only have I learned about what I want to spend the rest of my life doing, but college has also provided a new insight and lessons about life that I wouldn't have truly learned without this experience.
There are way too many to name, but here are ten things I learned from going off to college.
1. You learn to appreciate a home cooked meal.
No matter how good the cafeteria is- there's nothing like grandma or mom's cooking. You can try and replicate her recipes as much as you want, it just can't happen.
2. Some people aren't worth your time and energy.
Plain and simple. People that treat you wrong and take advantage of you are not worth your time. Wouldn't you rather spend your days with people who care about you?
3. You just simply can't get by without going to class.
You can skip your eight A.M. geology class all you want. But don't expect to pull off As and Bs. Going to class is essential when it comes to your success as a student.
4. You are responsible for your actions. Every. Single. One.
You quickly learn that there is no one to blame but yourself. If you didn't study as hard as you should have for your most difficult midterm, you can't blame the hundreds of people you follow on Instagram for keeping you from studying or try and sue Netflix for being so incredibly addictive. You, and only you, will pay for the consequences of your actions, whether they be good or bad.
5. Being a good student actually pays off.
Sitting in the front of the class, being active, pushing yourself to go further, and working hard really gets you places. It's no longer lame to be a "good student." If you need a letter of recommendation, your teachers will be more than happy to write one for you because they actually know and understand your work ethic. Also, if you're super close to the next letter grade up at the end of the semester, teachers tend to be more willing to help out a student who is trying to get the most out of a class compared to someone who couldn't care less.
6. Good friends are really important.
Especially if you're at a college where none of your friends from high school are in attendance or if you're far from home. Your friends keep you busy and keep your spirits high.I don't know what I would do without my sorority sisters and best friends by my side.
7. There are more important things in life than your grades.
Yes. I said it. Alright, your grades should be really important to you. Especially if someone is sacrificing so that you can get a good education. But when disaster, crisis, or family emergency comes up, don't let an exam or ruining your perfect attendance affect your life. Things happen and life happens. Most teachers are extremely understanding. I have been lucky enough to have teachers who care more about me and my well-being than my grades.
8. Not every guy you're interested in will treat you with the grace, dignity and respect you deserve. Move on.
This is a hard one. Especially when you think that he is a great person and you find out otherwise. Moving on is hard, but it's crucial. He doesn't deserve you. Don't settle.
9. There's no place like home. Especially when you're sick.
.So far, I've ended up in the hospital three times since starting college. Along with the occasional flu and cold, I never wanted to be home more than when I was sick.
10. You learn about a new kind of freedom that has been hidden from you for 18 years.
There are no more restrictions or limits from your parents. As much as you love them and as much as you love going home, there's nothing like not having to sneak out at three A.M. for a McDonald's run with your friends or asking for permission to go out on a school night. This new found independence is what gives college students such a rush. It is also what makes us so excited to go back to school every fall.
I know I'm not the only one counting down the days until move-in.
