As I am about to graduate my senior year of college, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my college career and recognizing my personal and educational growth. During one of my most recent emotional reminiscing sessions, I made a list of all the things being a college student has taught me -- besides all the academic stuff, of course.
1. Parties. I have learned party etiquette. By this I mean knowing how to dress, dance and who to talk to, depending on what kind of party it is. The way you present yourself allows people to know how to judge you. The same concept behind the party dos and don'ts has actually helped me in professional settings, as well, because I learned that perception is reality.
2. Time management. Between doing homework, going to class and working at KOK, I always have a million different things going on at one time. My schedule resembles a game of Tetris because by creating a perfect schedule of blocks that incorporate work and play, I have perfected the art of time management.
3. Logic. Do you ever remember the things you used to do when you were younger and think about how you never dare do something like that now? When you are younger and don't realize consequences or potentially bad situations that could result from whatever you are doing. You happily engage in sketchy activities without even thinking twice. Thinking about how I used to leave parties late at night and walk home alone blows my mind. Now that I am older, I have become so cautious and worrisome about everything. Being exposed to so many different people and experiences has taught me way more about life than my mom ever could.
4. Talking. When I got to college I had no friends. I had to learn how to step outside of my comfort zone and talk to people I did not know. I had to re-learn how to make new friends. Because of this, my shyness has pretty much faded and I have made great friends!
5. Participation. I definitely used to be the person who thought talking in class was unnecessary. Fortunately, I have learned that discussing material helps the information stick with me and allows great thoughts to be heard and shared.
6. Budgeting. Most students are pretty broke, so it is imperative that they learn how to budget money so that they can get bread-sticks, a Long Island iced-tea on Tuesdays, a shirt, another tea on Thursdays and still have enough money for food and other important things throughout the rest of the week.
All jokes aside, choosing Indiana University and joining my many organizations has helped me grow so much. I could not have made any better decisions. I am confident that I am ready to take on whatever lies ahead.
