I grew up in a very structured and loving home, where we did certain things for a reason and all saw eye to eye on the morals my parents had implemented. I was never a troubled child, I did as I was told and was very happy with my childhood, loving parents and brother. The first semester of my sophomore year of college I decided to leave my local community college and attend the University of Arkansas. Growing up in the south I assumed the U of A would have the same morals and republican background I had grown up with, and I assumed foolishly, not knowing the broad culture and college persuaded lifestyle I would soon be embracing. With that said here are a few things the college experience has and continues to teach me:
BE OPEN MINDED AND OPEN HEARTED:
After attending the University of Arkansas I decided I was going to do what I knew I would enjoy; meet people and build relationships. In doing this I have come across people from all walks of life and backgrounds, unlike the suburb I grew up in where there was very little diversity. Standing for what you believe in DOES NOT mean to bash and ridicule other people's beliefs. If you give the opportunity to someone to express their opinion, do not look for an easy way to show them why they are wrong, instead truly listen to what they have to say. Try to see where they are coming from and where in life they have been to develop the beliefs they have. You do not have to believe everything they stand for, but you can always take away something from each person you meet, bettering yourself and developing where you stand among different issues. In being open minded and listening you will in turn learn to be open hearted, where you become more understanding of others around you instead of being stubbornly stuck in your ways..
EXPLORE YOURSELF:
With this said, by no means should you break loose from your morals and what you stand for as right and wrong. Instead, view this as being the first time you are not strictly influenced by what your parents want for you. You are now distanced from your parents and in time your natural personality will begin to shine through without a background bias. Try things you never thought to do back home. Pick up hobbies you thought about but never actually attempted. Even spend time to truly get to know your political stance on your own because not even your parents can tell you what you do and do not stand for. Dig deep inside and discover what makes you happiest and sets you up for a successful future.
MAKE THE BEST OF IT:
You may not have the nicest car, the best dorm, or the top house sorority or fraternity that your best friend from home got; however, you have been presented with one of the best opportunities possible- to further your education along with gaining the privileges of being an adult without all the responsibilities. Not everyday is going to be the best day and some weeks you will wonder what you are doing here still or even what you are doing with your life. Always look at the opportunity you have been given at large. These will be the best years of your life and each turn you take whether optional or not will help you grow in ways small and drastic.
