10 Things I Learned My First Semester Of College That Didn't Add Up To A 4.0 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things I Learned My First Semester Of College That Didn't Add Up To A 4.0

It's finally over!!!!

1851
10 Things I Learned My First Semester Of College That Didn't Add Up To A 4.0
Unsplash

As my first semester of college comes to a close, I wanted to share a few things that I have realized.

I'm not the "typical" college girl by any means and my college experience is probably not as intriguing as yours, but I knew what I had to accomplish and what I wanted out of my college career the moment I applied, and that is crucial to the decisions I make and lessons I learn.

1. Accept everyone.

College exposes you to a very diverse population. Not everyone is like you, and that is okay. Accept others. Include others.

2. It's not all about the experience - it's about your future.

You shouldn't feel bad for not being intrigued by the whole experience or having a different perception of the idea of the college experience. Ultimately, it's not about the parties or the sororities, it's about your education and your future. The one thing you have in common with everyone else is that you are all there for an education. That's what it's about.

3. You don't have to get a perfect grade on everything.

College is hard as hell. It's the real deal. It's the GPA that matters and the classes that prepare you for your career, so obviously it's not going to be as easy as high school. It's okay that you don't ace every test.

4. You don't have to fit in.

Once again, a very diverse population. You don't need to struggle to fit in with everyone around you. It's okay to be different.

5. It's okay to doubt your major.

You might change your major 25 times, or not at all. Either way, it's okay.

6. Being tired is the norm.

Whether you get 3 hours of sleep or 12 hours of sleep, you're always tired, stressed, and showing up to your 9am looking like trash. We're all in the same boat.


7. It's okay to decide that your college of choice is not for you.

Don't be afraid to transfer. You're not running away. If you aren't happy with your college of choice, that's okay. Don't make yourself miserable for four years just because you don't want to go through the heartache of transferring.

8. It's okay to be alone.

I used to always need someone to talk to in class or walk with in the hallways in high school, and now I'm lucky if I even talk to one person a day in class. Being alone is the norm.

9. You don't have to look nice everyday.

I started the semester off doing my makeup everyday and occasionally dressing cute, and now I am the complete opposite. I once saw a tweet that said you should look nice when you go to class because your professor is pretty much your boss, but I say F that. Do you know how much you have to walk around campus?????

10. A C+ is really an A.

Before I started college, my dad told me that there was no excuse to not make A's, but little does he know a C+ is really an A. Once again, college is hard as hell!!!!!


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.

190744
 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

15185
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...

458071
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.

26735
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