As I slowly but surely finish up the last few weeks of my first semester of college, I've started to reflect on what I've learned throughout this experience. Like Kim Kardashian, I started college not having any idea of what I was doing. Now that I have finished my first semester, I think I am even more confused about my life plan than I was going into college. But, while the future is ambiguous, I've learned that there are 13 key lessons to be learned as a first-semester freshman.
1. Home is not a place, it's the people you love.
In Boston, I've been lucky enough to have some of my best friends from home close at other colleges. During times of homesickness or sadness, I spent time with them and immediately felt right at home. This helped me realize that home is not a specific place, it's the people you love and people who make you happy.
2. Real food is precious.
Dining hall food is painful in every way possible. I missed my parent's home cooked meals about a week after I went to college, and I will never take their food for granted again.
3. My hometown helped me become who I am.
While I didn't always love the place I grew up, when I went to college, I realized that the town that raised me made me who I am. I grew up in a secure town where I felt safe to be whoever I wanted to be, and not every place in the world is that special. Going back home after being away has made me appreciate the things that my hometown has taught me.4. Being around people all the time can be hard.
The first semester of college is all about finding people who you connect with. But, sometimes when you find those people, it can be hard to get some alone time. Because you live together, life can get messy very quickly. It's important to take the time to be alone if you need it, and learn to say no to social interaction when you need space.
5. High school friends will be there for you...
My high school friends have been the one's to get me through this first semester. From sending cards and stickers, encouraging texts to get me through the day, or coming to visit me at school, they have been there for me no matter what. Not a day goes by that I don't talk to one of my friends from high school. I am incredibly thankful for the connections I made growing up and will hopefully keep for the rest of my life.
6. And college friends will too.
Once I found a few friends in college, I realized that although I haven't known them for very long, no matter what happens, they will be there for me as well. From listening to my long-term struggles to going out to dinner to vent about the day, I know that my college friends and I have made long-lasting friendships already.
7. Coffee can literally save your life.
From late night essays to late movie nights with friends, coffee has kept me sane. Although it has broken my bank account, I would like to thank you, coffee, for always being there for me when I need it the most.
8. College is not all parties and fun.
This might sound completely crazy, but college is actually hard work (insane right?). Weeknights are filled with essays and projects, and sometimes the weekend nights are spent in the dorm finishing up assignments. While college is often projected in the media as party central, college is mainly homework and classes (to my surprise at first).
9. Calling your mom every day is not a bad thing.
My mom has been my anchor throughout this entire experience, and I can't imagine a day without a text or a call from her. When everything goes wrong, she is there to tell me that everything will be okay. No matter who your person is, keep in touch with someone who will be there to pick you up when you're down.
10. It's okay to take time for yourself.
It's important to take care of yourself in college. If you are having trouble, it is okay to take a day off or ask for help. College can be incredibly stressful and scary, and taking time off to reflect and recuperate can be helpful to relax. If everything feels like it's moving fast, take some time to slow down and regain sanity.
11. Independence is a scary reality.
In college, your parents can't take care of you when you are sick. You are your own personal time manager and you control every situation you are put in. Independence is a given when you move out of your house, and it can be scary. While choosing independence has made me grow into a more mature person, it has been a strange, fun, and difficult transition.
12. The future is not set in stone.
When you pick a path to your future after high school, it doesn't have remain the same path for the rest of your life. Take a risk and pick what makes you happy rather than what seems practical for the moment. The future can be molded into anything you want it to be, and it's important to recognize that you do not have to stick to your first plan.13. I am who I am and no one can change that.
My first semester of college has made me realize that my identity is what will keep me grounded in the real world. I've learned that by sticking to who I am and what my core values are, I've become exactly who I am and who I want to be in college and for the rest of my life.
