Freshman year of college was a huge eye-opener for me in more ways than one. I learned more about myself, the world around me and my future career in a year than I have the past 20 years combined. I was scared and excited and nervous beyond belief that first day after my parents dropped me off. Being five hours from home and knowing not a single person had me shaking with fear and excitement. Here’s a list of the few things I have learned during my freshman year of college at an engineering school:
College is Much More Difficult Than High School
Honestly, high school was pretty easy for me. I don’t mean to sound rude here, because I worked hard, however most subjects came pretty easy to me. I hit college and--whoa--wake-up call. I am an average student surrounded by high achieving students. I learned to swallow my pride and ask for help often. I learned that the only way I was going to get through an engineering school was to stay up late, ask for help often, and not be afraid to look stupid sometimes. I have never worked harder in my life and it makes it all the better when I get the grades I would prefer.
Being Independent is Both Awesome and Difficult
I was so excited to make my own rules, stay out as late as I wanted, hang out with who I wanted and not have my parents around to check on me all the time. I won’t lie, that part is pretty great. I loved being my own person, being an adult. However, it wasn’t always fun and games. I learned that being independent also meant keeping track of my own bank account and the amount of money leaving it. It meant deciding on my own what was a good idea and what wasn’t. It meant deciding who to trust and who to leave behind. It meant being away from my family more often than not. I called home at least three times a week in the beginning of the year and I am not ashamed. I loved being independent, but I also missed my family quite a bit. As the year progressed, I learned to embrace being independent more and eventually became comfortable at my school. I found my fit and a great group of friends who helped make that transition easier for me.
Not Everyone is Your Friend
Not everyone is looking out for your best interests. I tend to see the good in people until given a reason not to, however, the past year taught me that some people just don’t have your best interests in mind. Rather, they are looking out for themselves and themselves only. I learned who my real friends were and I am so grateful for them.
Some of the Best Friends Made Are Unexpectedly
Sometimes the most random people end up being some of the best friends. The friends you make when you need a lab partner and know no one else in the class. The smart friends made when you’re struggling in a class and need help so you choose the smartest kid in the class to ask. The friends you make by randomly running into hungry people while holding a giant jar of cheese puffs. The friends you make in the bathroom at a party one night. Those friends, the unexpected and random friends, are often some of the best people and I am so grateful because college caused all that.
Coming Home for the Summer is Bittersweet
Packing my room and saying goodbye to all my friends was so bittersweet. I knew that I was headed home for the first time in five months and that had me beyond excited but, leaving my friends and independence for three months was difficult. I had built a lifestyle, gotten into a routine, and made some really close friends and leaving that felt very strange. I was excited to be free from school and the workload, however, I was also leaving all the fun and crazy nights spend with some awesome people. However, I was excited to see my family, hug my little brother, spend time with my sister, sleep in my own bed, and be home for a summer. It was all so bittersweet and I felt like I did back on move-in day.
My freshman year was one crazy experience and I cannot wait for the next three years. I have met some crazy good friends and I love learning more about them and myself each day. I have never worked harder, been more sleep deprived, or loved life more. Each day is a new adventure and college is one crazy ride that I am loving right now.
