So, I've been at college a month now and I can definitely say that this season has been a season of growth and change. There's still a lot I don't know but below are some of the things I've "learned" so far.
1. Sleep is no longer a thing
You may have thought you stayed up late over the summer, but at least you could sleep in the next morning. College is a time of late-night study sessions, even later times of talking and laughing, and full of late-night memories. College life is truly an exciting thing, and I'm loving it—but it's certainly not a very sleep-filled thing.
2. Coffee will become your friend
I've never really liked coffee, and it's still not my favorite thing, but I will admit there have been a couple days where I didn't think I could get through without it. And based on how long the Starbucks line was, I'm not the only one in that boat.
3. 4-Year-Plans are harder than you thought...
In High School, your 4 years were pretty mapped out for you — but now you're choosing what you want to do and who you want to be and it's scary. But, meet with your advisor and breathe.
4. ... But it's okay to not know what you want to be
A lot of times it feels like you have to already have it all together, and it's so easy to look at other people and think they have everything together. But as my friend told me, "Don't judge your insides based on somebody else's outsides." It's truly okay to not know what you want to be yet, and why you're doing what you're doing, and chances are all the people around you feel the same way. Just keep doing the next thing, and don't be afraid to take risks.
5. Literally no one cares what you wear
From pajamas to a dress, there is literally everything on campus. And no one cares what you wear. If you look good one day — good for you man, it's awesome you had the time to try. And to the girl wearing her bed head and oversized T-shirt — we applaud you for getting to class.
6. It's not the Freshman Fifteen, but the Freshman Fifty
@Ms. Mae's cookies. If you know, you know.
7. There's always time to share tea
Although college is not as drama-filled as high school, there is still stuff going on in everybody's life and there's always time to stop and listen to the tea that's going to spill-- and those times of listening and conversing are so important.
8. Memes Will Become Your Life
It's 1 a.m. and you should be asleep, but instead, you're sending memes to your friends. Yes, I've been there too. Among all the other things in your life, you will slowly realize the necessity for memes and the power they have to truly convey how you're feeling.
9. Call your mom
I've called my mom almost every day since I moved in and I have no regrets. My mom is my best friend, and I know that's not the case for everybody. But call your mom and tell her about your day. She wants to know and is always there to listen! And sometimes, it's just really nice to hear that familiar voice.
10. It's okay to have a mental breakdown in your room... or on a bench in the middle of campus
Some days you blast Ariana Grande and cry into your pillow. Other days you get out of class early and sit on a bench and just start sobbing. Speaking from personal experience, it's really okay to cry. And sometimes that mental breakdown is the best step to moving forward. Don't be ashamed to cry and or just literally freak out for a few minutes. Just take a walk, breathe, and put things into perspective.
11. You'll make some amazing friends
College is hard, but even when I get stressed and feel like having a meltdown, I look around at the people around me and can't help but smile. I have the sweetest and most loving friends around me — they even helped me make this list. I'm so grateful for them and couldn't get through this college life without them.
12. Some days are hard
Some days you feel really lonely and just want to stop thinking and just miss summer and the past so bad it hurts. But one thing my mom told me that's stuck with me is this: "A bad day does not mean you have a bad life." Some days you just have to push through and all you want to do is go to bed and wake up the next day. That's life. And it's hard and it's totally normal to have a bad day or an off day, but...
13. God is faithful
The biggest lesson I've learned is how God is SO good. He really does not leave your side through this whole big transition. He holds your hand and has so many amazing things to teach us. You may be feeling alone, or you may be feeling very distant from the Lord. Get into His word. Read the Bible, just a little bit every day if you can, because there is so much life and truth in the word of the Lord. And one thing I've realized we all need a little bit more is life and truth.
I've loved my first month at college, despite all the hard and bad days. I've laughed harder than ever before, been challenged more than I thought possible, and grown in ways I did not expect. It's been a wild month, but I'm pretty excited for the ones to come.
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