Everyone talks about college as being the “time of our lives." Is it really? Having been a college student for 3½ years now, I mostly just remember being stressed, anxious, scared, nervous, or some other adjective that could so clearly describe any of today's college students. And I still have another year and a half to go...
Don't get me wrong, college is an experience that I never in a million years would give up the chance to go through, but it's a time of trial and error in a young adult's life, and there are so many chances to fail. Failing is OK, as long as you learn from the lesson. Wise words to incoming college students. Cause failure will most likely occur.
I can't complain about college too much, though, as I have had some experiences that I soon won't forget and have met SO many people who I hope to be able to count as lifelong friends. In the end, besides receiving a degree, isn't that what college is all about? Three points to make:
Number one: I was told before I even started college to get as involved as possible. Whether it be in clubs, athletics, or any organization that your school has to offer that interests you. "Get involved, you'll regret it in the end if you don't!" Trust me, TAKE THAT ADVICE. You may not think you have time, with homework, work, or families. I get that, we are all busy, but for me, finding the time to join a club that takes part in something I enjoy, has been sort of a stress reliever with all the other craziness that college throws at us. Not even to mention all the friends I've made along the way. So worth it!
Number two: For most of us, going away to college is our first experience of living away from home. This seems like the most scary thing ever, and don't get me wrong, I was scared at first, but looking at it now, it's been such an eye-opening experience. Living away from my parents for the first time has taught me so many lessons. How to prepare meals for myself, how to live and cooperate with roommates, and how to budget my money in order to pay for the necessities. These are all things we will have to learn sooner or later, what better time than our early 20's. Unfortunately, we can't rely on our parents for the rest of our lives, they won't always be there to hold our hands and teach us how to do things. It's time to grow up and learn the way of life for our own good.
Number three: Maybe the most important point of all is making friends. Now, I can't tell you how to do that, you're on your own there, but I can't stress the importance of surrounding yourself with good people throughout your time in college. It'll make things so much easier! Whether it be people you live with, meet through a club, your teammates, or someone you met through class, finding those friends will be so worthwhile in the long run. They'll be the ones you can go crying to at 2am cause you're stressing over an exam, and the ones that you will create the most amazing memories with. Don't turn down that invitation to go out to the bars with them on a Friday, just because "you don't feel like it." Do it. Go out. Forget the stress for a couple of hours. Make those memories. We are only this young and in college once.
So, what are you going to do with your time left in college? Going to sit in your apartment and waste away all the time watching movies and Netflix? Or actually go out and make an experience out of where we are in life right now? I choose the latter, and I hope you do, too.
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