The cliques, the papers, the coffee, and the all-nighters make our college experience one of a kind. When we graduate, which aspects of our college experience will still matter to us? Better yet, what are we going to look back on and wish that we had done differently? After interviewing college graduates, I learned so much about what they considered worthwhile about their time in college and what they deemed a waste of time. Sit back and take notes, kids. It's time to learn a few things from our elders.
Brandon.
What does matter
You have to do enough and get enough experience in the field you want to go into so that you are 100 percent sure that it is what you want to do.
What doesn't matter
Getting an A in every class does not matter. Enjoying yourself while being productive is far more important than stressing about every little test, paper, or exam.
Matt.
What does matter
Family, always.
What doesn't matter
Caring about popularity isn’t important anymore. You just know who is important to you and that is all that is going to matter.
Laura.
What does matter
Your close-forever friends narrow in, and focus on family and future success is super important.
What doesn't matter
The popularity contest dies, and not every person matters. Every move you make seems like it will impact the rest of your life in college, but once you’re 28 years old, you will hardly be able to remember what those choices were.
Max.
What does matter
Time management skills. You really need to know how to balance out your work and your social life, it helps for the future.
What doesn't matter
I would say Greek life. That had such an influence on everything I did in college. I still have all of my friends that I made in my fraternity, but I don’t do anything with it anymore. It doesn’t mean much outside of school unless you meet someone in business that was in the same fraternity or sorority that you were in.
Hannah.
What does matter
What mattered the most in college is learning to become more independent, because once you hit the real world, being an adult sucks. Creating great relationships is important, too, because you need friends to survive adulthood with!
What doesn't matter
What matters the least in college are the classes that you are forced to take that have nothing to do with your major. Doing well is important, but focus more on the classes that will help you learn what you want to do with your career.
Noah.
What does matter
As a young adult coming out of college and entering the working masses, humility is key. It is essential to find a mentor in your industry, whether it is colleague or just someone that you can learn from and who can help you grow in your career. What matters is to get involved with people that are doing or have done already, what it is that you want to accomplish. Network, listen, observe what works and what doesn't and apply that to your own working style as you begin to develop it.
What doesn't matter
What doesn't matter is what you did in the classroom or how smart or talented you were perceived as being in the University environment. This is a new start -- you are a freshman again and you need to earn your seat at the table. Don't waste time comparing yourself to other recent grads and what they are doing/accomplishing. There will always be someone who is younger, brighter, faster, etc. You do you and do it well and opportunities and success will follow close behind.
Kathryn.
What does matter
How hard you work, work ethic goes a long way and so does being an independent person. If you aren't willing to do that, you're going to have a hard time in the real world.
What doesn't matter
Sororities, the loser guys you dated in college, and the popular crowd do not matter once you graduate.
Haley.
What does matter
The skills and lessons you learned in college are what matters. Focus on time management, the ability to work with others of various backgrounds, and the ability to persevere when presented with difficult tasks.
What doesn't matter
What you studied and the title of the degree on your diploma are not as important as the skills you gain from your college experience.
Emilee.
What does matter
It is important to establish relationships with people. Being successful is all about who you know and what qualities you can bring to a job, other than knowledge.
What doesn't matter
Looking back on college, I now realize that the petty drama between girls I thought were my friends was not important. College is a time to meet people from all over, and the right friends will treat you like a priority, not an option.
Ara.
What does matter
Keeping your best friends, working really hard to establish yourself, and growing connections with important people are the most important things during college.
What doesn't matter
Negative people don't matter at all. Cut that out of your life and you will be just fine.
Auburn.
What does matter
Making sure the friendships that are important to you are maintained.
What doesn't matter
Being 100 percent focused on having a high GPA doesn't matter. I wish I had put more effort into gaining real world experience instead of focusing on a high GPA.
I really appreciate the help of the individuals I interviewed, you are all an inspiration! Now it's your turn to reflect on what is and is not important in your life.
