2015 went by incredibly quick and was a serious year of change for me. I learned a lot about myself and how I interact with others; I got a taste of what it’s like to be an adult. It was a long and hard year of goodbyes and hellos, trials and victories, and a whole lot of fun. Everybody learns different lessons every year, but you learn just about anything from anyone, so I hope you take something away from what I learned this year.
1. Goodbyes aren’t that bad
While everyone dreads goodbyes, once you’re done with them you realize they aren’t that bad. A goodbye is not always as permanent a feeling as people think it is; usually, you say goodbye and then do your very best to keep saying hello. The goodbyes that are real and permanent? Those are the ones that sting for awhile, but are even more important because those are the people who were never meant to stay in your life for longer than necessary. You both live healthier and happier lives anyway.
2. Making new friends is hard
For me, college was the first time that I really had to make new friends who hadn’t known me or known of me in the last 12 years of schooling. It wasn’t fun or charming and it was definitely stressful, but it is an interesting experience. Hearing about where people are from and what they like to do and what they’re majoring in is incredibly fun and interesting, but it becomes annoying. After a while, you hear every major and every hobby, and then you move forward and are left with either a friend or someone you have nothing in common with. It’s hard, but somewhere down the line it becomes rewarding.
3. You’ll have moments of doubt
It’s completely normal to have moments of questioning and insecurity when first moving to college. It’s exhilarating to be somewhere new and exciting, but sometimes you miss your friends, family, familiar sights, and familiar food. Naturally, you’ll question yourself and be sad for a little bit, but everything will be OK because you did what was best for you. And if things change, and your situation is no longer the best, then change it. That’s why doubt is important -- it helps you see what’s best for you.
4. Spend some money
College is a time when you should conserve your resources and make sure you don’t land yourself in endless debt, but there should also be a time where you spend a little bit of money on a nice meal, clothes or whatever makes you happy. While you shouldn’t splurge too much, you should still find space in your budget to get something you want or like. If you can do that activity for free, great! Otherwise, don’t be scared to spend money.
5. Take some time alone
In college, you'll find yourself surrounded by other people 24/7. Where you live, where you study, and where you have fun is constantly filled with people. Finding a time and a place for you to be quiet and alone helps your mental health, physical healthy, and ability to focus/form relationships. It’s the perfect way to avoid getting too stressed out and to stay calm and happy. The most important time to take time to relax also happens to be when you’re the busiest so you don’t burn out. Take a breath and allow yourself to be content and quiet.
For me, I am able to identify what is most important for me to bring with to 2016 and what should be left in 2015. This year I learned that I need to take more time for myself and spend less money, which means I should be looking around for free ways to splurge on myself in the next year. I hope everyone has a chance to think about the lessons they learned this past year and to reflect on what’s important for the following one. Welcome to 2016! Congrats on making it to another year.
