In high school, there were at least a handful of qualities and attributes about me that I didn't possess. After just a semester at the University of Florida, I have inherited a vast number of characteristics that have shaped me into a completely different person. Whether it be fun or serious, this school has done a lot for me to the point where all I can do is say #ItsGreatUF. With that being said, here's everything that UF has taught me.
Time management.
Time management was definitely not a thing in my high school years. In high school, the only time you had to manage was how long you should take a nap for because you might miss your favorite show at seven o'clock. Time management at the University of Florida is something that has been drilled into my skull ever since my first semester. Time is insanely valuable in college. I have learned to never take for granted the "free" time I have. The "free" time I have is turned into productive work to make the future a little bit easier for me.
Managing funds.
Everyone was brought up differently and I understand that. However, before college, food wasn't really an issue for most people. "Mom, can I have chicken tonight?" Yeah you can't really say that anymore unless you brought your mom to college. What's important now is making sure you have the money to eat what you really want to eat. College is pretty expensive as it is, but no one really factors in the cost of food. Eight or nine dollars may not seem expensive at the time, but if you're going to Relish and spending that kind of money frequently, you'll see that it quickly adds up. There's a reason why people say that all college students eat are Ramen noodles.
How to take care of yourself.
It's inevitable, you're going to get sick at the University of Florida. There are way too many kids out there running around sneezing and coughing everywhere. You can't just hide from everyone because you have to go to class. This university has taught me to be proactive when it comes to my health. When I sense the slightest feeling of any kind of sickness, whether it be a stuffy nose or hurting to urinate, I take action. Alka Seltzer and Penicillin, my friends. Don't let the pain or sickness get too deep because once you're sick, it's harder to get rid of it.
Meeting new people.
In all my years of high school, I thought I had it made. Every day I was surrounded by a dozen or so people that I called my friends. After being at UF for a while now, I can honestly say I have a couple hundred people that I call my friends. UF has made it so easy for people to communicate and socialize that you'll have no choice but to meet new people. I was never a shy person, but even a shy person will burst out of their shell once they come here. There's an extracurricular activity out there for every kind of person and it really is amazing!
Taking advantage of free things.
You'll learn that if anything is given to you for free, you take it. Even if you don't regularly use the product given to you, just take it. Don't ask questions, just take it. The infirmary at UF gives out free Gatorade and condoms! That's a deal right there. That's only a sneak peak at what UF gives to you for free. Things are also included in your tuition that most UF students don't utilize. In fact, one of my fellow writers, Kelli Kaufmann, wrote an article about that. You should check it out here!
This article was mainly for the people who just got accepted into the University of Florida about a month ago. I really hope you guys choose to come here because it will make you a better person in every kind of way. You'll learn that it is extremely easy to have fun once you get into the swing of things. Go Gators!
