10 Ways College Changed Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Ways College Changed Me

Only three years, and I feel like a totally differnt person.

10
10 Ways College Changed Me
Wikipedia

Everyone, and I mean everyone, goes through some type of change through college. That can mean becoming more of an adult or leaving old friends behind. No matter what experiences your college years bring to you, you'll expect to look back at your first day of freshman year and shake your head at the vulnerable and enthusiastic version of yourself you picture. These changes are to be expected, even though they are probably the most challenging part of the whole experience. For me, I've found at least 10 ways college has changed me for better or worse.

1. I'm O.K. being alone

In high school just the thought of not having one of my best friends in class would hike up my anxiety. Now, three years later as a college senior, I'd rather eat alone. I'd rather sit in the Union and procrastinate by watching Netflix without the company of another person. It's not that I don't enjoy the company of my friends, because I love them. Its more of the fact that I've come to the realization that there are some things in life you have to do alone. My success is simply that- mine. I can't count on the presence of another person to get me good grades so I can get a decent job after graduation.

2. Sweatpants for days

I'll wear the same sweatpants to class three days in a row. My clothing decisions do not affect my learning abilities in any way. Plus, that sleep deprivation has me rushing in the morning because getting out of bed is my daily struggle.

3. Partying is not my forte

To be completely honest, I don't find drinking fun and I usually find extremely drunk people to be annoying. I'd rather call over four of my closest friends, and play clue until it's 2 A.M.. There is no drive for me to get extremely trashed to the point where I black out and hear about all the embarrassing things I slurred. I think the last time I had any alcohol was Christmas 2015, when I had a Mimosa with my mom.

4. No one is forever

I'd lost a lot of people I thought would be in my life forever. College taught me that the only person I can depend on 100% is myself and that's O.K.

5. I've become more motivated

I mean, how many people do you know that can say they finished their bachelor's degree in three years? When you're responsible for your own education and basically every other aspect of your life, you really start to care more than you ever did in high school

6. Increased writing ability

Just three years ago, I struggled handing in a high school research paper on time. I thought I would never get an A in any English or writing class. When you have papers and projects due almost every other day, you improve dramatically. Not to mention here I am writing for millions of readers every week.

7. I can successfully "adult"

I had to work my way through college just to make tuition payments each semester. Sometimes that mean 40 or more hours a week and sometimes that meant two or more jobs. I sacrificed hours of sleep and even time with my family just to further my education. I won't come out of college debt-free, but I will have the worth ethic and financial skills to pay it off as fast as possible.

8. Organization Master

If I don't know that's going on at least a week in advance, I get stressed out. It's ridiculous because most of my stress comes from events that haven't even happened yet. I've learned how to keep a hectic class and work schedules from overlapping and causing chaos. My life depends on my detailed, color-coded planner.

9. I can accept failure

When I don't get a grade I like or get flour all over me while making muffins, I know when it's time to take a break. Some days are just meant to be horrible and I can't be perfect at everything. That's a life lesson I learned very quickly in college.

10. I can say "No"

No, I can't work the night before an exam. No, I can't watch this entire season with you on Netflix. No, I cannot help you with your paper, since I have to work on my own. Making everyone else happy on leads to my own unhappiness. Sometimes, you just have to say no.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

177847
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

4953
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451003
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22495
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments