People always told me that I would learn the most in college sitting in a classroom. But, I think that statement is on the narrow-minded side. Not to sound harsh, but I think that just living life will teach you the important lessons that won't come from what you can easily highlight on a page. Whether it’s the endless notes or readings, some important lessons go outside the pages of a McGraw textbook. And here are just a few…
1. Whatever it takes.
For me, this category goes along with friendship and people in your life. If a friend is struggling and needs you, then you need to do whatever it takes to be there for that person. Even if it's just to make them smile when they're sad. And who knows, maybe you'll have to move mountains to be there for them. When it comes to being there for people in your life, make it a "whatever it takes" kind of mindset.
2. Everyone knows everyone.
This is probably the worst lesson to learn the hard way as well as something I've been told my whole life. Everyone is connected so make sure to be careful when it comes to your actions and words. What you say now, whether words of kindness or gossip, will most likely get back to the person before the night ends. This is especially true in school, where you see people everyday in class or if you live on a college campus because then it's just all the time. So, be cautious.
3. Priorities
Know what will matter in the future. Not to say that you have to have your whole future planned out, but just know that, for the most part, one small thing in college will not impact the rest of your life. Take the time to figure out what is most important to you and what will still matter years from now. It may seem like classes take top priority but if you get one bad grade, know that that won't matter ten years from now.
Make sure to learn outside of the classroom. Because that's where the fun begins. Pinky Promise.
