The countdown to move in day was the first thing put on my phone after graduation. As each day passed, I got more excited for college. Now, a year later, I'm happy to be back in my own bed and never want to go back to the so called "best four years of my life." It's not that college was a bad experience so far, but it was not what I expected.
In high school, graduates would come back and talk about their college experience. But, they only talked about the good stuff like making new friends and having best experiences. I made friends and I had an okay experience, but what about everything else? What about the work load, the frustrating professors, non deserving grades and the constant tears? So, my first year of college taught me five important lessons.
1. Even though high school is over, people still act like they are in high school
Drama is everywhere. It's even more prevalent if you join a fraternity, sorority or some type of brother/sister group. We can't really get mad about the drama because, after not for 40 hours straight, it's nice to hear about the girl who embarrassed herself at a party.
2. Grades are everything
I saw a quotation the other day about college that said "you can retake a class, but you can never relive a party." Now this may be true, but it's stupid. It's not fun retaking a class (take this from a girl who has taken chemistry three times) especially since you have to pay for it and classes aren't cheap. College is about preparing yourself for your future. In the real world if you fail, you fail. You don't get a redo. Grades and your GPA are extremely important because it takes 30 A's to fix one F.
3. Professors are either your best friend or the spawn of Satan
The best advice college students gave me is to become best friends with my professor. They said to get to know the professors and to make sure they know who you are. There is a thin line between becoming their friend and kissing their ass. It's important to take advantage of your relationship with your professor because they can help you out in the future. However, there are professors who you wish you could strangle the minute they open their mouth or look at you. You either get the best or the worst professors, there is no in between. Ratemyprofessor.com is the guide on surviving college.
4. What is par-ty-ing?
As a Pre-med and Biology double major, I'm lucky if I even get outside to see the sun. College parties are fun, I can't lie. But both men and women have to be cautious because the parties can be dangerous. College forces you to evaluate your priorities and partying or having an extremely active social life isn't one of them if you're serious about school. Yes it is important to make friends and leave your dorm room every once in a while, but you're at school paying $20,000 a year to learn.
5. My mom is my best friend
I had an okay relationship with my mom during high school, but after college I cried so much and I didn't have anyone to turn to but to her to calm me down. Our relationship grew stronger and I love her more now than I ever did before. She helped me realize how much I missed home and took everything for granted. Now that I am back home, I never want to leave. I feel bad for the way I would talk about my home because I didn't appreciate it the way I do now. I learned how to love and be proud to say where I am from after I was away for one year. This is my home and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
