College is weird. Maybe I am having freshman anxiety or maybe I am stuck in an early mid-life crisis, but college is a rollercoaster. It is full of many ups and downs.
When I first arrived at college in August, I was definitely not used to the idea of being by myself. I am the oldest of four. I have a great family, I live in a beautiful house on the lake, I have great friends and an awesome boyfriend who all love me very much and I have a really good life. I am extremely fortunate. I was used to being surrounded by family and friends constantly, and moving to college in a weird part of Indiana (no offense Muncie) was very different for me.
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However, I have come to the conclusion that I am learning a lot about myself every single day by being alone and on my own.
1. I get lonely.
It happens, a lot. And I sure hope a lot of other college students feel this way sometimes too. It’s not the best feeling in the world, but it can make you a stronger human being by helping you understand ways to cope.
2. I rely on God a lot.
When no one else is there to talk to you, God always is. Building a greater relationship with him and spending more time with him takes you away from all anxiety and gives you warm fuzzies knowing he has a plan for you.
3. I workout to keep my mind off things and to relieve stress.
When in doubt, work it out. Having a free pass to the gym motivates me so much more to work out. And ultimately, it makes me a happier and healthier person, especially after eating four slices of pizza for dinner.
4. I love Netflix.
And I love "Grey’s Anatomy." Some people spend their nights studying until 2 a.m., and I spend the whole night watching "Grey’s." Surgery is educational, right? TV shows are so addicting and I can easily spend my entire day watching a show if I wanted to. However, I do go to class too so I do have to subtract those four hours out of my Netflix time.
5. I watch "The Ellen Show" every day.
I used to watch it occasionally before college, but now it is my obsession. I don’t have any afternoon classes, and what better way to spend your afternoon than dancing with Ellen DeGeneres? She lights up my day and brings me so much joy. It is on my bucket list to be an audience member on her show one day.
6. I want to join things, but I don’t want to be committed.
I rushed to be in sorority for two days, and every chapter I met with I asked them what the commitment was. I don’t think many of them liked me for that. But it is OK, because I found out it wasn’t my thing - so, their loss. I need clubs who are flexible with my time, because I change my schedule for the week all the time.
7. I get sick of dorm food, so so easily.
There is a sandwich place in my dorm and I honestly cannot eat the sandwiches anymore without puking. My body rejects it. And, I am not a picky eater, trust me.
8. Jamba Juice makes me happy.
I have to have Jamba Juice at least once a day or I die. I honestly don’t remember how I survived without it before.
9. I don’t know how to survive being sick alone.
It was so nice having my mom there to call me in sick, take me to the doctor’s, get me medicine and take my temperature. I get no love in college for being sick because everyone is sick all the time. You just have to suck it up, and I can’t suck it up.
10. I can’t food shop.
I miss my mom food shopping for me, especially for fruit. I maybe have a bag of apples in the fridge right now, and that is from home. I don’t know what to put in the fridge for myself because my mom always knew what to buy. I am at a loss with fruit choices.
11. I obsess over the little things.
I feel an overwhelming amount of joy when I see someone walking a dog or when someone gives me free food. I obsess over people’s coats because everyone in college has really cute coats. I get really happy when it is snowing outside or when it is super sunny outside. I love finding the little things that bring me joy every day.
12. I online shop like nobody’s business.
I love receiving packages or letters in college. In fact, I probably spend most of my money online shopping, it is almost like a disease.
13. I hate the cold.
My body was meant to hibernate in the winter. My hands turn purple or bright red super easily. I never leave my dorm without my mittens, even in 60 degree weather. If I could walk outside wearing three blankets I would.
14. I despise sharing a bathroom with strangers.
At first it was fine and I could cope, but now I want to dip my entire body in sanitizer after being in those showers. I just want to brush my teeth in peace sometimes and pee without swiping myself in to go the bathroom. Don’t talk to me in the bathroom, I always look ugly in there.
College is weird. But, being independent and on my own is shaping me into someone I was meant to be.
