I'm not 100 percent sure how it happened. Last time I checked I was filling out applications and having anxiety attacks over the question, "What will your major be in college?" Sophomore year came and went and it feels like half of my college years lasted a solid 10 minutes. I've lost touch with some that I wish I hadn't, I've gained more confidence in myself and in the process and most of all I've learned that you sometimes have to be your own coach. College truly is a roller coaster. Here are 12 things I've learned halfway through.
1. Half the people you met in freshman seminar you're never going to see again.
That intro class you had to take during your first semester was pretty helpful- you and a bunch of people interested in the same major really got adjusted to your new surroundings together. It was nice, but you realize that was probably the last time you're going to see half of them and that's OK. Most of your section probably changed majors and started on their own paths.
2. You probably completed most of the requirements needed for your major -- how did that happen, already?
It might be just me as a person, but I like to get the bigger things done first so I don't have a pile of work to be done later, so that's what I did with my first two years of college. It's crazy how much you've learned and how much you've developed as a person.
3. You've gotten really close to those you met just a short two years ago.
In college, you meet people that come from all over, your mind is exposed to new ways of thinking and your eyes see things never seen before. And in a short two years you've spent hundreds of hours with brand new people that have come to have a special place in your heart.
4. Suddenly, you're giving out college advice to high schoolers when not too long ago the word "college" gave you a nervous breakdown.
When did we start becoming connoisseurs of studying tips and financial advice? I found myself telling a group of 16-year-olds to read everything your professor gives you, and that's it's OK to say no to plans once in a while.
5. Not everyone has your best interest at heart.
When you're young you truly believe everyone is a good person, or that no one could ever do the wrong thing. College politely knocks that idea out of your head real fast. You learn to see through people and to trust your gut instinct.
6. It's OK to do things alone.
Going out to dinner by myself or going to the mall alone once seemed like such a far-fetched idea -- not anymore. At the end of the day, it truly does not matter what anyone thinks about you except yourself.
7. The lesson of asking around if you really need that $200 textbook or not.
If only I knew not to rent every suggested textbook freshman year. Oh, the money I would have saved. Really -- ask around to those who have taken the class before and see if you actually need that overpriced textbook.
8. There's greater things to spend all your money on than food.
Pack your own lunches at least three times a week. That's something that I didn't really enjoy doing, but it saved me so much money. Food is expensive, man -- go make a salad.
9. Talking to strangers isn't as horrifying of an idea as it once was.
I suddenly find myself talking to people on grocery lines all the time (am I turning into my mother?). But people are just people; there's nothing to be afraid of.
10. Having the perfect cubby at the library with the perfect window view and working USB outlet (a rarity) is a necessity for success.
If anyone even dares to sit in a 10-foot radius of your seat it's over, internally.
11. Sometimes, you have to be your own motivation.
A push to do your best every once in a while is great, but sometimes you don't have that luxury in college every time you need it. As cheesy as it sounds, motivation has to come from within most of the time. You have to want to be better.
12. Networking is everything; never miss out on an opportunity.
I never connected the dots freshman year that networking is literally the key that opens all doors. Meet people, talk to people, introduce yourself, ask questions. You never know where it might lead you.
