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Student Life

Growing Old Means Growing Wise

I am made of so much more than I originally thought.

Aisha Shawn Kimbrough

Jun 07, 2016

Whitman College

richardalananthony.com

As we grow older we continue to experience and get introduced to things we've never imagined. Whether it's for the worst or the better, it makes us who we are. I recently turned 19 and I have come to the realization that I am made up of so much, and not just my personality, but my experiences, downfalls, achievements and the people around me. I have grown so much over the years. I am truly proud of who I am today and I have faith in who I will become in the future because of the lessons I've learned.

1. Family

As a child, I was always with my family because they were all I knew, but after making friends, I noticed that all I wanted to do was hangout with my friends and it made me feel guilty at times because I felt that I was abandoning my family. But I came to the realization that my friends are my family too. Family is not just your relatives, to me family is the people you love and the people that love you.

2. Friendship

From my elementary days to now college, my definition of friendship has changed. I thought friendship was just people you talked to, but now my understanding of friendship is someone that never gives up on you. A true friend is someone that knows your faults and still loves you the same no matter what. A true friend will sacrifice for you and care for your well-being at all times.

3. Comfort zones

It's nice being in my comfort zone which is being at home with my family and friends and living my life like I'm accustomed to. I also think this comfort zone is boring after a while. I believe that in order to live life to the fullest, you must take risks and do things that make you uncomfortable. Why? Experience leads to discovery of oneself. For example, if you're not the type to dance, then I would recommend taking a dance class because maybe you'll discover that you love dancing!

4. Distractions

As a college student, I am starting to make important decisions for myself and creating goals for the future which means I have to stay focused on that journey. Yes, life is full of glitter and gold, and it is OK to have fun and enjoy it, but I think it's crucial to always remember where you're going.

5. Values

Over the years, we will meet people and be introduced to new ideas, but you must hold tight onto your core values in life. With that said, it does not mean that your values can't change. As long as your values are truly what you want them to be, you will be content with who you are. Having strong values will keep you grounded in life and will help you avoid big distractions that can hinder achieving your goals.

6. You

Lastly, is you. When it comes to making decisions for yourself and setting goals, make sure they are in your favor. It's easy to let your friends and especially family reputation influence what you choose, but I say that it's important to make decisions based on your own needs and desires. In the end, those decisions will only affect you. Along with life's long journey and goals, make sure you are focusing on your self-development and stability because those are important when it comes to your happiness.

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

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Growing Old Means Growing Wise

I am made of so much more than I originally thought.

1. Family

2. Friendship

3. Comfort zones

4. Distractions

5. Values

6. You

Subscribe to our Newsletter

No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

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