My years in college have been some of the best of my (relatively short) life. Now that I am here I feel like everything else was just building up to this really incredible time. Even though I still have two years to go, I have learned so many things here that I am thankful for!
Find what you are truly passionate about and pursue it
College is a great time of trial and error. Testing out new clubs, experiences, activities and hobbies. There is no time like the present to find your passions, because sooner than later you will be thrust very quickly into the real world. If you leave college knowing what you love and are good at, it'll be that much easier to figure out what you want to do with your life.
Find good friends.
My college experience would've been extremely different had I not been with the friends I am with now. Much of high school ended up being difficult largely because I did not end up with good people to spend my time with. I learned from this, and when I got to college I decided to seek out the people I knew that exuded happiness, love, and most of all followed God. These people are some of my best friends and I know that they will be for a long time. On a similar note...
Friendships come and go, which is perfectly okay.
Unlike what we assumed in elementary, not every friend you meet will be one that sticks with you forever. God may bring people into your life for a reason, and he may lead them out for another. I have had quite a few of these friends, and while we may no longer talk or see each other, I know that God brought them into my life for a reason. People change and relationships change; this is a fact of life. It is okay to let some people go and invite new ones in.
Take responsibility.
Going to college means embracing a lot more responsibility then you did when at home. You buy your own groceries, make your own food, do your laundry, work a job, etc. Our parents aren't here to help us with any of this. Being on your own is awesome and freeing, but you do have to take responsibility for your actions and life.
Persevere.
This is definitely one I have learned quite a few times. Whether it be continually pestering people to find a job, going in to see a counselor over and over while changing majors, or studying nonstop to pass a class, perseverance is a big thing I have figured out. My parents always told me "the squeaky wheel gets the grease," so I guess they trained me well for this one. :)
No matter what, stay true to who you are.
All throughout high school I was slightly insecure. I wasn't sure who I was or where I fit in, so I would act differently around different people simply so I could feel accepted. The problem was that this never made me feel any better about myself. It just made me feel worse because all of these people saw different sides of me.
That is partly why college has been so amazing for me. I came here and had a completely fresh start where I was able to find the friends I really wanted and be myself around them because I knew they accepted me completely. I now and perfectly comfortable being myself around everyone because I have friends, family, and a God that love me for me. I've learned that I am so much happier being myself and sticking to my beliefs and values.
...
These are just a few of the things I have figured out in the past few years. Since coming to college I have learned so much about myself and about the world around me, and I know that I have a lot more learning ahead of me. I have made incredible memories, met amazing people, accomplished some really cool things, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
