As a senior in high school, you think that things couldn't get better. You are the alphas at school, you can drive, you are probably getting out earlier than the other grades in your town because you are graduating, and you're most likely going to college in the upcoming fall. Pretty sweet time of your life.
But I am here to tell you that your life is about to get So. Much. Better.
College is that golden fleece that you can't wait to grab and stroke for all it's magical powers. Besides the fact that you are living on your own and you can schedule all your classes in the PM if your heart so desires, college is amazing for so many other reasons! Here are just a few.
1. You start with a completely fresh slate.
Any mistakes you made in high school are gone. The person you wish you had been now has the opportunity to be lived. If you want to completely re-invent your style, you can. College is the perfect time to let go of high school and start new. Unless you go to a school with many people from your hometown, no one knows who you were before moving in. Take advantage of that.
2. You will meet new and interesting people from across your state, country, or even the world!
Despite meeting people of your class, you'll interact with upperclassmen, international students, professors, guest speakers, local community residents, and so many other types of people. At my school, I have talked with fellow peers and faculty and loved hearing their stories of who they are or what careers they're pursuing.
3. You can create your class schedule based on your learning preferences.
In college, you create your own schedule. This beautiful notion lets you take classes during the time of day you know you are most productive. For me, I hate early morning classes, but I do not want late afternoon classes. Therefore, I make sure to register for classes between 11am and 2pm. Obviously not every optimal time slot is going to fit into your schedule, but at least having the option is a wondrous thing.
4. You learn how to adult.
In high school, you have very minimal obligations and responsibilities. Maybe you have weekly chores, or you need to make sure you wash your laundry before it turns into a rank mountain of cloth. In college, you got a ton of responsibilities in the "adult" department. Your parents aren't there to remind you to wash your bowl and spoon or to wash your sheets. Things may start to go downhill in the household area, but you'll learn how to work your way around that.
5. If you want to eat pizza and fries every night for dinner, your parents can't say "no".
4 words: Eat your inner fat-kid away!
6. Your Thursday nights just became 100% better.
Thursday nights are the new Friday nights. In college town, everyone heads out on Thursday nights, more so than any other night of the weekend. Go out to a party, into the nearest town/city or even just hang out with friends!
7. You'll learn to use your laziness to your advantage.
Use your laziness to make your college life easier. Got no clean spoons? Make one out of aluminum foil. Still haven't done your laundry, but you want to wear your cute shirt? Dump a crap ton of perfume on it and wear it anyways.
8. There will be so many different academic and social opportunities at your finger tips.
College is a convenience store of opportunities for every student. Get involved in cool clubs, community service trips, visit career and internship fairs, utilize connections with your professors and peers. Many students come to college to study and maybe include a little bit of partying, but take your head out of the books enough to enjoy the possibilities!
9. You can study abroad!
Studying across the globe, or even domestically, is one of the best things to do as a college student. I have yet to study abroad, but I know that when I do, I will fall in love with whichever city I stay in. This is the perfect chance to (temporarily) satisfy your wanderlust. P.S. If you study abroad in a country whose primary language is not English or your own native language, make sure not to butcher their language as badly as Joey does.
10. Time management + you = a hate-love relationship
Being organized at some sort of level is a must in college, but sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing in order to do another. Finding that balance might take a while, but make sure to put your priorities first (aka, your school work). You'll learn what works and does not work for you.
11. You are your own boss.
You set your own rules. You are your own law enforcement officer. If you abuse your power, no one can do anything about it, except for you. Use with discretion.
12. You don't care what people think of you./No high school-like drama.
In the end, by the time you get to college, you are done with trying to please the masses. Be un-apologetically you! Plus, the only drama you'll encounter in college is trying to decide where to get delivery from for dinner.
For any high school seniors getting ready for college this fall, get excited because college is an amazing experience! Make sure to enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast. I still can't believe I'm nearly done with my first year.
Until next time,
Stay gold.
