This will be the last post for my class blog and I thought it would be fitting to make it about some of the best things I learned in college since I will be graduating in just over a month.
1. You're only as poor as you feel. It's a common stereotype that college students are poor, which we are. But that doesn't have to be a negative thing. I suggest embracing things like ramen noodles, shitty apartments, thriftshopping, and Hawkeye Vodka. It's four years where you are all in the same boat and it's pretty fun just laughing about the struggle of it all with your friends. I would advise you to work in college so you have some income but don't stress about your bank account. We're all in debt when we leave anyways.
2. Grades don't matter, what you learn does. I feel like so many kids come to college and get serious cases of anxiety over whether or not they will get an A on this 25 page midterm paper over the affordable health care act. This is ridiculous. I have fully embraced the saying "C's and D's get degrees" because they do! I'm not saying slack off, learn as much as you can while you're here because knowledge is a beautiful thing. Look at your classes from how much you learned from them, not the grade you earned. If you learned and grew as a student, that's what really counts once you get to the real world.
3. Do Not, I repeat DO NOT cry over a boy in college. These are some of the most exciting and changing years in your life. So many girls come to college expecting to find the love of their life so they can be engaged upon graduation. STOP. This is the new millennium and women have so many opportunities in their 20's beyond settling down right away and popping out babies. Focus your effort on making friends, having fun, and finding yourself. As cheesy as that sounds, this is the time for you to figure out your hopes and dreams and who you really want to be as a person. Don't let a boy get in the way of that.
4. Learn to be independent. It's an important skill to be able to walk to the library or the coffee shop or even the mall by yourself. I'm not saying be a loner but it's important to do what you want when you want instead of always waiting or relying on others to join you. Make decisions for yourself and be comfortable with being with just you. If you have dreams to taking on an internship in a new city or studying abroad, you'll never survive if you haven't learned some independence.
5. Some people will like you, others won't. College isn't a popularity contest. If someone doesn't like you or you don't like them it's simple, just avoid them. It's your time to choose the people you want to be surrounded with so find the ones that matter and hold tight because your friends become your family here.
6. Everyone does regrettable things in college. Whether it's puking all over that cute bartender, waking up next to a complete stranger, or maybe even waking up in jail.. it's okay. Embrace your mistakes and move on. We've all had our own experiences. The world's a bigger place than your not-so-proud moments anyways.
7. Hold tight to your morals, values, and faith. I guarantee that not everyone is doing it or thinking that or whatever is. If you don't want to do something or don't believe in something it's totally okay. Grow some balls and stand up for yourself and what you believe in. People respect those who have balls in college.
8. Always drink water before bed after a night out. Just do it, you will thank me in the morning.
9. Help is literally everywhere, you just have to ask. This one reminds me of a great quote by Albus Dumbledore, "Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it." Wherever you are going to school, just know that if you are struggling, it's okay to ask for help. And help is everywhere you look, you just need ask. It makes a world of difference and people truly want to help you. Don't let your pride get in the way of your success and happiness.
10. When it comes to the cold weather, the more ridiculous you look the better. If you have never walked 15 minutes across a campus that has 20 mph winds and a temp of negative 30, you maybe don't understand this... but trust me you will. Wear 3 pairs of pants if necessary and tie your scarf around your face like a turban. People won't be looking at you weird, they will be looking at you with jealousy because they are nearing hypothermia.
11. Just say "Hi." There are going to be SO many occasions where you and that person you sort of know from that class 2 years ago are the only two people on a 100 yard sidewalk about to cross paths. Or that girl from the bar a few weekends ago when you bonded over your love for tequila and Ryan Reynolds but then never talked again annnnd you don't really feel like saying hi right now. Just do it. If you don't you will forever feel awkward when you see that person because you know you know each other but both refuse to acknowledge it. Plus, who doesn't love it when someone recognizes them and says hi?
12. Quit "counting down the days til.." Trust me, whatever it is, is going to come fast enough anyways. Learn to live in the moment and enjoy where you are now. Those exciting things in the future will be here before you know and you'll wish you could turn the clock back a bit.
13. Love your body. Guess what girls, you are now women and chances are you will never be the same size and shape you were in high-school. GET OVER IT. You are still beautiful and life will be okay. You also have to realize that while in college, rarely is there a sense of routine so setting a healthy routine for yourself isn't always in the cards. I'm not saying neglect your health, still exercise and eat healthy whenever possible but also let yourself enjoy those guilty pleasures. Sure, you might gain some weight, most do.. it's okay. Try your best and love you who are, don't punish yourself for not having that perfect bikini bod. No body is perfect.
14. Work hard so you can play harder. It's okay to know how to party hard and have a good time with your friends on the weekends, as long as you work hard during the week. Keep up with your studies, get a part-time job, join a student organization, whatever it is. Just make sure you are working hard to earn your party time. Require yourself to hold a higher standard, have priority's and goals. It has to be you, on your own ambition because no one is there to tell you what to do anymore.
15. Never turn down an adventure. Right now, it's just you. No full time career or family obligations. Just you. Live adventurously. You never know where a late night walk to the park with friends might take you. If you take on any adventure thrown your way, I promise you, you will have a college career to remember.
