Around the world, college freshmen will be taking one of the biggest steps of their lives. They've trained for years to reach this very moment, but in reality most of what you needed to know outside of the classroom they learned in Kindergarten. Sure, high school was necessary for that law degree, but when it comes to entering a new world, where you are going to experience more freedom than you can imagine, Kindergarten is where the knowledge to survive comes from.
1. Have an open heart to friendship
Despite being shy, I had more friends in Kindergarten than at any point in my life. There's is something about the innocence and naivety of children that lets there hearts be open to new friends of many different backgrounds. Let that be your heart as you enter into a new environment this coming fall. Don't worry about what your friends look like or how other people might think of you hanging out with them, because that does matter less in college than it did in high school. Let your friendships be based on the fact that both of you love the Avengers, or your more of a Blossom and she's more of a Buttercup fan, so together you're two-thirds of the Power Puff Girls. Let your mind be open to different types of people, and you might just find the best friends you've ever had.
2. Naps are very important
College kids are just like kindergarteners when it comes to two things: snacks and naps. Just like in those early days of school, you're going to need a quick nap break if you plan on getting any work done at all. Do not miss the opportunity to come back after class and nap. If you have the chance, you will never regret taking it.
3. Learn to apologize
Now that everyone has so much freedom, it can be hard to take responsibility of your actions. It's hard to let your guard down and take responsibility for your actions, when it means admitting that you may not know as much as you thought you did or be as responsible as you thought you were. Kindergartener's know that saying sorry is the first step in getting a happy playground back, and that's really all anyone wants.
4. Learning is fun
For the first time in a long time, you're going to get the chance to study material that actually interests you. Sure, there are some things you have to take, but you can even find ways to make those exciting to you. As an English major I took my required social sciences in freedom of speech and language and culture. This allowed me to not only enjoy what I was learning but also gave me information that I could work into my other classes. In kindergarten, everyone loved to learn, and now we get the opportunity to do that again.
You already knew everything you needed to about college, you just didn't realize it happened so young.
