Growing up our parents ingrained the concept of college into our minds. We were told that college equips us for a better future. Academics are often thought to be the only thing we get out of college. I am here to tell you that this is not so. Obviously, academics are the vital aspect of a college career, but many of the valuable lessons during college occur outside the realm of books, papers, and tests. If the only benefit you get from college is a degree and a higher salary, you did it wrong. Here are five lessons I have learned so far in college that are unrelated to academics.

1. God comes first

Through the interminable assignments, the insurmountable levels of stress, and all the activities I participate in, I often lose my focus on God. Too many times I've found myself distracted by worldly pursuits. I stress over my grades way too much because I worry about my future success. However, God is telling me that I have already obtained the highest of all things, a relationship with God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! " My old habits of stressing over the future and idolizing earthly success are vanishing (although, I will always struggle with material pursuit), and concentrating on Christ is becoming more of my mission and pursuit.

Houghton has taught me that my relationship with God should come first before anything else and that he is the core of my life. Through the many chapels, conversations with friends and professors, I am constantly reminded that God made me, and therefore, I should revere and worship him. This is one valuable non-academic lesson I have learned at college.

2. Relationships matter

What is life without others? Absolutely worthless. God made us social creatures. At Houghton College, I am surrounded by people who have different interests, hobbies, and goals. Diversity is what enables us to enjoy the richness of life. With so many people, I can learn so many new things about life whether it be about different cultures, hobbies, or different preferences in music. With friendships, we not only learn more about other people, we also learn more about ourselves. As the old adage says, "Iron sharpens Irons," so does people sharpen people. Several of my close friends at Houghton have helped me to be a better person through pointing out my flaws but also showing me great love.

Often times I like to substitute spending time with others with books, movies, and TV shows. But, I am discovering that I thrive with others. My best self is formed by conversing with others and appreciating the differences in them. Bonds with other people is what makes life so enjoyable. We have the gift to experience life with others. Relationships matter!

3. RELAX, YES I SAID RELAX

How refreshing it is to take a sip of an ice cold Pepsi and kicking my feet back and resting! In college, I am often stressed about the dozens of assignments and other commitments I have. But, I am learning how to relax and breathe. Life is too short for constantly stressing over tasks and the future. I agree a little stress is necessary to refine us and push us to be better, but resting is also necessary to recharge us. At Houghton, I have learned that resting is a key component of a meaningful life. God even gave us a whole 24 hour day to relax.

4. Let the spontaneous things happen

Structure is both constructive and destructive. At college, I've learned to allow some spontaneity to happen. Too much structure can just kill the excitement and adventure in life. Of course, structure is needed for academics and scheduling important things. However, if structure controls you instead of you controlling structure, I can almost guarantee you're not as happy as you can be. Taking a break from writing a 10-page paper to make a McDonalds run at midnight is needed sometimes. Don't let mundane structure kill your joy.

5. Try new things

How often do you try new things? Yes, I know we are often told this, but trying new things could actually make life more fulfilling. With only one life we might as well enjoy the extraordinary experiences in it. Breathe, explore, and most importantly enjoy God's creation. This is something I've been learning during college. Although there are not many opportunities to do many extraordinary things during college, I have discovered a few. Trying new things is not all that bad. Even in the small aspects of life. For example, reading a book that you think you wouldn't enjoy. Or catching up with some friends you rarely talk to. Life is short, live it.