As a child, I viewed my future in college as a time in my life where I would have freedom in my left hand and adulthood in my right. It is that monumental moment so often expressed in movies and that teachers engrained into our brains. Flashes of red solo cups and ramen noodles piece together a stereotypical image. However, those are the little moments. The Elle Woods of the world cannot prepare you for the emotional roller coaster that is college.
1. Being "Broke"
"I can't. I'm broke." The instinctual phrase for when my friends plan to go out to dinner or want to see some movie starring Hugh Jackman. Technically speaking, I do have funds, though very minimal. I am just aware of the other things I have to spend money on. I could have one hundred dollars in my bank account but know that gas, groceries and an occasional acai bowl (oops) knock off a couple zeroes.
2. Tuesday Night
Students make time to go out. A microbiology major will have an eight a.m. calc exam and still manage to make it out to mid the night prior. That is why you see people going out on a Tuesday because their schedule just won't allow it. At one point, this may even be you.
3. People Don't Care
Rolling up to class in sweats and leftover mascara is a commonly recognized look. It is those that look like they came fresh out of a Covergirl commercial that stand out. Look at Dennis. Previously stationed near Turlington, you could see him in seemingly the same tight v-neck but in different color variations. I can still remember him screaming at students about the dangers of technology. Yet, students embrace him all the same. In fact, it's quite a common theme to see an odd thing, pause for a few seconds and then avert your eyes. As a freshman, I knew I truly became a part of the school when I walked by tight ropers in the plaza and didn't bat an eye.
4. Existential Crises
Emotional breakdowns are bound to happen. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone crying in the library. Never would I have thought that my mind could question so many things at once:
"Will four years worth of schooling and tuition actual pay off?"
"What if I don't graduate in time?"
"How can I take classes, have an internship, work, be fit and stay mentally sane?"
As much as people pretend, no one truly knows what they are doing at this point in their life.
5. Unexpected Bonds
At UF's diverse campus, I have come across people pretty different from me. Little did I know that I would stick with these core friends that came into my life at random moments. They were new kinds of friendship that I had never experienced before. Your differences only strengthen your bonds and encourage you to think with a new perspective. Everyone contributes something to the group - whether it be the mom figure or the sarcastic one. Unknowingly, these people become your greatest support system. Somehow, you end up spending every day together doing absolutely nothing. You go over for a study session when you know you're just going to end up putting on a Disney movie and scrolling through Twitter.
