It's Not What You Do, It's Who You Do It With
Start writing a post
Student Life

It's Not What You Do, It's Who You Do It With

One of the many realization you make freshman year.

2059
It's Not What You Do, It's Who You Do It With

Your first month of college is full of "realizations." For instance, you realize that free food really is the greatest thing on Earth, or that cover charges at Northgate really suck. The biggest realization I made, however, is that having a good time is much more about who you're with, rather than what you're doing.

First off, I'm from a town of only 1,699 people. In case you've never been to a small town in East Texas, allow me to shed some knowledge upon you—there is absolutely nothing to do. My town literally had a Sonic, a Dairy Queen, and a local family diner. That's it. Many nights in high school consisted of driving down endless back roads or sitting on tailgates at the Sonic. I remember saying countless times,

"Man, if only we lived in a town where there was stuff to do, life would be so much better."

Fast forward to August of the summer after my senior year and I got my wish. I left my old, boring town in the rearview mirror and continued my journey through life in a college town of over 100,000. Suddenly, instead of searching for something to do, I had a different opportunity at every turn. If I wanted to go out every single night, I easily could. A whole new world was opened up before my eyes.

After a couple of weeks, however, the exhilarating excitement of constant entertainment started to fade. I started missing those backroads and tailgates more and more. Why? My new life paled in comparison to my high school life, right? Well, yes and no. Without a doubt, my huge college town had its perks over my tiny hometown. Comparing the two on paper, my new town would blow my hometown out of the water. However, life isn't so black and white. The more I thought about it, the more I realized what I really missed. I didn't miss the town and I didn't miss the boring nights—I missed the family I left behind.

Now, when I say family, I don't mean necessarily my blood relatives. My group of friends was inseparable. I knew without a shadow of doubt that my boys had my back. I knew that when I needed them, my girls would be there for me in a heartbeat. I don't have that yet in college. I know it will come with time, but it just hasn't yet.

Life is ever-changing, and we must constantly learn. My first month of college has accelerated that process to an unimaginable rate. To be shaped as a human being, you have to be put in an uncomfortable position. For that very reason, I am glad that college has been a challenge. However, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to spend as much time as possible with your best friends. Cherish every moment you have with them. One day you'll look up, and realize that whatever you're doing just isn't the same without them. It's not what you do in life that makes it fun—it's who you do it with.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70830
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132439
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments