Seeing that I am about to enter my final year of undergrad in just a few weeks, it's crazy to think that this will be my last year of college (unless I randomly surprise myself and decide to go get that master's degree ... We'll see). There have been a lot of learning experiences and ups and downs throughout my college experience; however, looking back on the last three years, there isn't anything I would change. Although I've had a positive college experience, I do realize it could have been a lot easier. Here are 10 things I wish I could've told my 18-year-old self about to enter college.
1. You don't need all of the answers.
Something that I learned over the past three years is that sometimes things go better if you have no idea what you're doing. Heading into college, I had a plan and was convinced I was going to be a biologist or go into something in the science field. Well, that definitely didn't happen (and to everyone that knows me, don't laugh). The only way you can learn from your mistakes is if you actually make them. It's okay if you don't have all of the answers -- that's what college is for.
2. Everyone is going through the same thing.
When I came to college, I didn't really know what to expect because I had never been the "new" person. Luckily for me, everyone was the new kid too. As freshmen, we're all going through the same experiences and we're all in it together. College goes a lot smoother once you realize that you're not the only person that feels that way. Don't worry if you don't find your best friends right away, it takes time and you will always be meeting new people.
3. A lot of things aren't going to work out.
Relationships, not getting the grade you thought you deserved and worked so hard for, not getting into a certain class until the next year (I'm not salty at all ...), failing a paper/exam you studied hours for .... Trust me, the list goes on. The reality is, there are a lot of things that you will find won't go quite as planned. Being able to adapt and bounce back with a positive attitude and wanting to work harder and do better is what's going to get you through it. Learning this early on in life in college will also help you for your future.
4. People will disappoint you.
A hard reality during college is that friends will come and go, and some will most likely disappoint you. Just know that there will be a few that will always stick by your side no matter what. I am lucky enough that I was able to meet friends in college that I know will be in my life forever. When someone disappoints you, you should thank them. Move on and focus on the people in your life that matter.
5. It's going to be weird not playing sports anymore.
Being an athlete my whole life, I didn't know how this whole NARP (non-athletic regular person) thing would go. My first year, it was hard to not be a part of a team or any organization. Although I still miss having that outlet and team bonding aspect, I know that not playing sports was the best decision for me. Through this experience, I learned that there are more important things than sports.
6. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
My sophomore year, I still felt a void when it came to not playing sports and not having a team dynamic. However, after finally making the decision to audition for one of the a cappella groups at my college, I now know that was one of the best decisions I made. Because I didn't have much time for choir or singing in high school, I'm glad I finally decided to put myself out there and try something new. To all the newbies entering college: it's not possible to know everything that's going to happen, but that shouldn't stop you from trying. Audition for the play, take the difficult class, go eat with strangers--put yourself out there. You will definitely look back and be proud of yourself that you did.
7. You will change your mind ... A lot.
Although I am an extremely indecisive person, I never realized how much I would change my mind about pretty much everything in college.
1. I once took calculus for a day ... Then dropped it ASAP. I then registered for Spanish and took it for a day ... Dropped that ASAP. Then I registered for French and finally stayed.
2. I had no idea where I wanted to study abroad for six months (I figured it out two weeks before the deadline was due).
3. I didn't change my major, but I did add a double-major which I never thought I would do. Also, I added a business major and have never thought of myself as a business person ...?
4. I made myself take math/stats classes even though I despise them and thought high school would be the last time I ever had to take math.
What I learned is that it's okay to change your mind--no matter what it's about. You will eventually find your way.
8. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone.
Something I learned entering college was that my true friends will always understand me and where I am coming from. College is the time to be selfish and to focus on yourself and your future and figure out who you are. If other people can't understand that, then that's their problem. You shouldn't have to explain it to anyone.
9. You should definitely study abroad.
Even if studying abroad isn't for you, you should definitely consider it. Coming into college, I didn't really know what to expect or even if I wanted to study abroad. No matter where you go or what your experience is, something I learned abroad is that there are no bad experiences. Study abroad isn't all about the pretty pictures we post on social media--there are definitely hard and difficult times abroad. However, I learned so much about myself while studying abroad and there's absolutely nothing that I would change about those experiences.
10. You will meet the best people in the world.
I was lucky enough to meet some of my best friends and my best friend in the whole entire world at college. College is about passing your classes, but what you will always remember is the people that you shared those experiences with. Stay up until 2 a.m.with them every night if you have to, because you'll realize that the time you spend with them will go by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, you will be walking across the stage together with a diploma in your hand.
I can't believe I will be doing that next June.
