5 Things I’ve Been Forced to Learn in College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Things I’ve Been Forced to Learn in College

Hint: Not all of these are bad.

11
5 Things I’ve Been Forced to Learn in College
Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Ditrict

1. Three meals every day is a fantasy.

If you eat three meals a day in college, there are 3 possibilities. One, you are a scheduling genius. Two, you aren’t doing enough. Or three, your dorm is an actual grocery store.

Each person has a meal that is easier for them to skip and at least one meal that they feel that they ‘absolutely cannot” skip. For me, until recently, that meal was breakfast. A lot of my friends say, “Oh I never eat breakfast.” Ok, so yes I do skip it some, but if I NEVER ate breakfast I’m pretty sure I would cease to function as a human. I guess it might have something to do with getting up around 5:30-6 every morning from K5-12th grade. I had to have breakfast then or I wouldn’t be awake for school when it started. But that’s just me. Each person has their own unique meal-skipping abilities.

2. Even extroverts need their alone time.

I am definitely an extrovert.(If you’ve taken a Myers-Briggs-like test, I’m either ENFP or ENFJ.) I love being around people and jobs that separate me from people for too long seem to drag on and on endlessly. Yet even me the definite extrovert needs time alone. And that isn’t bad or “against my personality.” It’s necessary! There will be days that I come back from a long day at classes and then work and roll into the bottom of the triple bunk in my dorm and just lay there. Use it as a time to recharge, to think, and to pray. No matter if you are extroverted or introverted, you need this alone time. You will burn out in time otherwise.


3. You sometimes have to choose one class over another.

This unfortunate reality first struck me when I had to make up a History of Civilization test on a Monday night and then take an English test during my 8 o’clock the next morning. I honestly didn’t have time to study for both and I paid the price for my choice. Both were hard tests, but I got a B- on my history test and a D on my English test. English hurt since I knew I could have done better if I’d studied for it. But on the other hand, I knew that if I hadn’t studied for history I would’ve bombed that test. It came down to choice that I had to make. There will always be choices and sometimes you will regret them but that's OK. It's part of the learning curve.

4. Time management is a must!

I cannot stress this enough!! This one is not an option if you want to live. I’m only taking 14 credits this semester, but do not mistake this for an easy semester. On top of that, I am working two jobs, in concert band, and in choir. Not that no one is busier than I am. There are many people who are much busier, but even I have realized the necessity of time management. Methods vary. I use my phone’s Google calendar, some use a planner, some keep it all in their head which is not recommended unless you are positive you can do it. The point is everyone’s approach varies, but regardless of the approach the goal is still the same. MANAGE MY TIME!

5. Just because you’re busy, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun

As I said earlier, I am busy. But I make sure to find time to hang out with my friends or do whatever to have fun. Even if that means putting off that assignment for an hour to go grab a McFlurry at McDonalds with some buddies. Sometimes I’ll come back and just work on learning guitar for an hour or so and just de-stress. Sometimes there will be a guy in a dinosaur suit running up and down the hall waving a sword. (Fact: this happened last night) Again, this will look different for each person, but don’t forget to have fun! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2505
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1506
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200751
 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

21247
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments