After My 22nd Birthday, Here Are 5 Lessons I’ve Learned Being In College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

After My 22nd Birthday, Here Are 5 Lessons I’ve Learned Being In College

I'm finally feelin' 22.

39
After My 22nd Birthday, Here Are 5 Lessons I’ve Learned Being In College

I've had some growing up to get used to in these past few years of my life, but as a whole, my life has been full of excitement and mysteries so far. Though I'm still very young, I felt that it was appropriate to make a shortlist of things that I've learned as I've gone through each year of my life so far and to be able to reflect on it. Also considering my actual birthday is October 6th and each year I think back and remember how far I've come as a person, a daughter, a significant other, and a friend.

1. Pleasing everyone at once isn't possible.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

We aren't octopi, we don't have 8 legs and can't do everything at one time. We're human, we have to take things as they come to us, watch people walk into and out of our lives, and we can't make everyone in our lives happy 100% of the time. Decisions are decisions for a reason: we choose something over the other, sacrificing the element that we don't choose. The path that we take won't always be the right one, but if we make it out alive and still have family and friends there at the end, then we're doing something right.

2. Being a female in a mostly male world isn't limiting.

Photo by AIKIG on Unsplash

Since the dawn of our time as humans, societal customs have come to recognize men as more able, capable and professional over women. Without getting into a debate about this, all I'll say is that there is female power upon our Earth and it shines so bright. In another way, no one should ever feel like they're alone or even struggling to get through something alone. The right people will be there with a helping hand to get you out of a rut and into a better place — man or woman.

3. Making an impact doesn't have to be difficult.

Photo by Tom Ezzatkhah on Unsplash

I've come to realize that I can make a difference every day in my life just by helping someone or making someone smile. It doesn't take much and it goes so far. Everyone has meaning and a purpose, a reason for being here, whether they choose to believe it or not. Just by living out our lives, we're making a difference. One bigger than humanity ever could imagine us making at this point in time.

4. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many things at once.

Photo by Radu Florin on Unsplash

I can't stress this enough. I've already grown grey hair because of how stressed out I get from working so much and trying to take too many college classes. Our focus can only be in one place at a time and each situation we put ourselves into requires all of our focus and critical thinking. When I'm at work, I'm in work mode. The moment that I leave work, I remember all of the other things that need to be done, all rushing into my head. It can become very overwhelming and it doesn't have to be. Take everything one at a time and go at a slower pace if need be. Get through things at 100% instead of giving something only 50%, another only 30 and another only 20.

5. Your happiness needs to come first.

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash

This is the ultimate goal to achieve. Personal happiness and satisfaction should be a prized possession kept in a glass case on a pedestal. I've always been told that before I can love someone else, I have to love myself first. While I can't make that happen, I do still try to make myself happy, even if I'm not satisfied with who I am. If I'm happy, then the rest of it doesn't matter.

Regardless of your lifestyle, I hope that you take this advice and run with it. These are things that I live by and remind myself of each time I get stuck. It helps to know that there are people who support and love you and who would go miles and miles for you. Know your value and your worth.

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.

190247
 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

14920
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...

457884
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.

26643
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