Preschool, elementary school, high school, then college. We couldn't wait to graduate and to be out in the world. We couldn't wait to not have our parents hovering over us telling us what to do (maybe, more importantly, what not to do). You might not believe me when I say that a college student spends a lot of their time doing the same things preschoolers are doing. Let me prove you wrong.
1. Naps.
After our first semester (a semester of learning), we have gained the knowledge that naps are essential and to schedule classes accordingly. It becomes just as much of a routine as it was in preschool, except we don't have to sleep on those awful, thin mats anymore.
2. Attire.
In high school, everyone wore nice, clean clothes every day. Now, you catch yourself asking your roommate if the shirt you picked up off of your floor smells okay. In college, much like in preschool, you're lucky to go to class in a shirt that doesn't have a small, fresh spaghetti-o's stain on it.
3. Themed parties.
Beach themed party, Halloween costume party, St. Patrick's Day party. You name it, and it's a theme. If you go without being dressed up, you'll be teased most of the night, just like when you didn't wear that hula skirt in preschool.
4. Crying.
When I was a kid, I had a really bad habit of spilling my chocolate milk all over me. I cried every time until I grew out of it. I can guarantee if I was caught on a bad day, spent my money chocolate milk, and ended up spilling it on me, you'd see me bawl like a baby. The stress from school and being sleep deprived (despite the naps) has students just a hair away from breaking at all times.
5. Confidence.
Remember when you were little and you could go up to anyone and talk about a toy or your favorite cartoon? College is a lot like that. Realizing you're in the bookstore next to someone that sits in the back of your Algebra class is enough of a reason to speak to them.
6. Food.
Snacks become a thing again in college. Like, a lot of snacks. Girls will have crackers and gummies in their purses while boys walk around with jars of peanut butter. Our next meal is always on our minds. Also, we are likely to get grumpy and have a bit of a temper tantrum if we're hungry.
7. Guidance.
We would get dropped off at school at 8 a.m., and by the end of the day we couldn't wait for our parents to pick us up. College students get the same feeling, except it doesn't just last seven hours, but more like seven months. Being homesick is a real thing, but many of us can't plan to take regular trips home. Missing Mom and Dad is something almost every college student can understand (this is a reminder to call home).
