Most young adults think that college is just a place for you to get a degree and to figure out what you really want to do in the future. Speaking from a college student's perspective, we think the only reason we are at college is just to get a degree. Most parents expect their children to take college extremely seriously and to be outstanding in their academics. They expect you to get a degree and find a great paying job, so you won't have to struggle financially the rest of your life. College is about far more than just getting a degree so that you can have a great paying job.
1. Real Friends
When I first came to Mckendree in August of 2015, I was in touch with at least 10 of my hometown friends. By the end of the fall semester, I was only in touch with three of them. When I went home for winter break, I only saw those three out of all my other high school friends. College, in a very short time, has made me realize that friends with the exception of a few come and go, but your family stays forever. Those few friends that remain may not be many, but those are the only friends you truly need.
2. Maximum Stress Level Attained
College is a place for you to learn how to handle stress at a maximum level without losing your head. Having to go to class on a daily basis, while trying to maintain a good GPA, and staying up late to work on assignments with a constant lack of sleep are among the long list of stressful things a college student must endure. Most Mckendree students are athletes, so we have to add the stress of performing as an athlete on top of the already heavy load of academic stress.Then you have the college students that must work in order to make it through school. So now you have to worry about your classes and turning assignments in on time, going to practice and being a great athlete, while making available time to work and make money. With that busy of a schedule you still have to throw in time for yourself and your social life. College is the best place to learn how to handle stress. It would be a lot harder to learn how to handle the pressures of normal life if you just went straight into the working world without any real experience
3. Sh*t Happens
You are going to fail at some point in college. Oh well. That is what college is for. Now, you cannot continue to screw up over and over again, but it is OK to make mistakes in college because you will learn from all your mishaps. Also, it is best to learn how to handle failure now before you screw up too badly in the working world where your parents won't necessarily be able to save you. You can mess up in college and get right back up, althouh it may take time you'll get it eventually.
4. Have the time of your life
Go out and have fun, go party, try new and exciting activities. As students we need to get our craziness out and express ourselves, and that becomes increasingly difficult as responsibilities begin to increase in your life. Once you graduate college your stepping fully into the grown-up world. You'll have a job, probably a significant other, and maybe even a few children. College is for you to experience life without stepping fully into the grown-up world. You only go to college once so make the most out of it and enjoy your experience.
